Accommodating Individuals with Disabilities in the Child Nutrition Program
General Information
School districts must make substitutions for students who are considered to have a disability under 7 CFR 15b.3 and whose disability restricts their diet, in accordance with 7 CFR 210.10(m).
A disability is defined as an impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities or bodily functions.
Definition of Disability
Major Life Activities
- Seeing, hearing, walking, speaking, learning, eating, breathing
- Caring for oneself; performing manual tasks
- Sleeping, standing, lifting, bending
- Bathing, reading, thinking
- Communicating, working
Major Bodily Functions
- Immune system
- Digestive, bowel, and bladder functions
- Respiratory and circulatory systems
- Neurological and brain functions
- Endocrine and reproductive systems
- Normal cell growth
Reasonable Meal Modifications
The District will make reasonable accommodations for children whose disabilities restrict their diets, including substitutions or modifications within the regular meal pattern. These modifications will be provided at no additional charge.
The School Food Service Program is not required to provide meal services (e.g., School Breakfast Program) that are not normally available to the general student population unless required under:
- A student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), or
- A Section 504 Accommodation Plan, supported by a physician’s written instructions.
All modifications are determined on a case-by-case basis.
Health concerns or personal dietary preferences do not qualify as disabilities and do not require meal modification.
Guidelines for Modifications
Any modification provided:
- Must be related to the disability or its limitations
- Does not have to be the specific modification requested
- Must generally be provided free of charge
- Should be implemented even if the requester believes additional changes are needed
Food Allergies and Medical Statements
Many food allergies meet the definition of a disability. To be considered for a meal modification plan, a medical statement completed by a state-licensed healthcare professional is required.
The required form is included in Appendix A.
Medical statements must:
- Describe the impairment (a formal diagnosis is not required)
- Explain how the diet is restricted
- Describe how the condition should be accommodated
For food allergies, the statement must include:
- Food(s) to be avoided (allergen)
- Brief explanation of how exposure affects the student
- Recommended substitute(s)
Parent/Guardian Notification
The District will notify parents/guardians of meal modification procedures through:
- Student Registration
Provided at initial registration or enrollment. - District Website
Posted on the District website. - By Request
Available from a teacher or building principal upon request.
Submission of Requests
Completed Request for Meal Modification forms must be submitted to the school nurse in the building the student attends.
Appeal Procedure
If a request is denied, an appeal may be submitted to the Building Principal.
The District will make every effort to provide a prompt and equitable resolution. If resolution cannot be reached, a parent/guardian may request an impartial hearing, review the complete record, and will receive written notice of the final decision and its basis.