School Meal Modifications for Children

School Meal Modifications for Children with Disabilities

Schools participating in a Federal school meal program (National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, Special Milk Program and After School Snack Program) are required to make reasonable accommodations for children who are unable to eat the school meals because of a disability that restricts their diet.  

In order to make modifications or substitutions to the school meal, schools must have a written medical statement on file that is signed by a state licensed healthcare professional.  The written medical statement must include:

• An explanation of how the child's physical or mental impairment restricts the child's diet;
• An explanation of what must be done to accommodate the child; and
• The food/(s) to be omitted and recommended alternatives, if appropriate.

Meal Variations for Non-disability Reasons

Schools may, at their discretion, make substitutions for students who have special meal request, but do not meet the definition of disability.  Special meal requests related to general health concerns, personal or cultural preferences, and moral or religious convictions are not based on a disability and are option for school food authorities to accommodate. 

Milk Substitutions for Non-disability Reasons

For students with non-disabling meal requests that restrict their intake of fluid milk, the following applies.

• The written request from a medical authority must identify the student’s medical need that prevents them from consuming cow’s milk.
• Non Dairy beverages offered as a fluid milk substitute must meet the established nutrient standards.
• Juice and water cannot be substituted for fluid milk as part of the reimbursable meal even when requested by a State licensed healthcare professional.  When fruit juice is merchandised as an option for a fruit/vegetable component, it can contribute up to 3/8 cup of the fruit/vegetable component.  It cannot be offered in place of milk and it must be available to all students as an option. 

Responsibility of Parents

• Notify the school of any food allergy, disability or meal modification.
• Provide Medical Statement completed by a State licensed healthcare professional or the parent (non-disabling meal request for milk only).
• Participate in any meetings or discussions regarding the student’s meal plan.  Maintain a healthy line of communication with the school.
• Notify the school of any changes relating to the special dietary need (a new Medical Plan of Care is required if the diet changes).