Meal Modification Statement
Federal regulations governing the operation of Child Nutrition Programs, Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 require that children with disabilities be offered the opportunity to participate in all academic and nonacademic activities including the school nutrition programs. The District will make reasonable accommodations to those children with disabilities whose disabilities restrict their diets, such as providing substitutions and/or modifications in the regular meal patterns. Such meal substitutions for students with disabilities will be offered at no extra charge. A student with a disability must be provided substitutions in food when that need is supported by a statement signed by a physician attesting to the need for the substitutions and recommending alternate foods.
However, the school food service is not required to provide meal services (for example, School Breakfast Program) to students with disabilities when the meal service is not normally available to the general student body, unless a meal service is required under the student's individualized education program (IEP) or Section 504 Accommodation Plan as mandated by a physician's written instructions.
Though not required, the District will also allow substitutions for non-disabled children who are unable to consume the regular meal because of medical or other special dietary needs if the request is supported by a statement signed by a recognized medical authority.
Most children have no special dietary needs and are able to participate in the Child Nutrition Programs. In some instances, children may experience allergies to certain foods.
If you believe your child(ren) need substitutions due to a disability or allergy, please contact us and we will make the necessary accommodations. You must provide medical certification from your child’s doctor that contains:
- Verification that special meals are needed due to your child’s allergy or disability, and
- Recommendation and/or /prescription for alternate foods needed to meet your child’s special dietary needs.
- Signature of your physician.
If you have any questions regarding meal modifications, contact Mary Dellapenna at (585) 494-1220 x1015.