Allergies/Special Dietary Needs
-
Students with a Disability
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) require that schools make substitutions to the regular meal for students who are unable to eat the meal because of their disabilities. The Child Nutrition department will make reasonable accommodations when a student’s disability restricts his/her diet and the disability is supported by a medical statement signed by a medical authority that is licensed by the State to write medical prescriptions or meal accommodation requirement in a student’s individualized education program (IEP).
Substitutions are required for students that have:
- A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities including eating
- Food allergies that may result in severe, life-threatening (anaphylactic) reactions
These conditions meet the definition of “disability” and substitutions prescribed by the licensed physician must be made.
Substitutions for Students Without a Disability
Menu substitutions or modifications are only made for medically-documented needs.
Food Allergies or Intolerances
Children with food allergies or intolerances that are not defined as life-threatening (anaphylactic) reactions are not considered to have a disability. It is not required that food substitutions for non-life-threatening allergies or intolerances be accommodated.
However, the FISD Child Nutrition Department is happy to work with families on a case-by-case basis to accommodate these needs. Medical documentation is required before any menu substitutions or modifications will be considered.
Religious or Personal Preferences
Menu substitutions or modifications will not be made for personal requests, including religious or personal preferences. Nutrition information is available at forneyisd.nutraslice.com to help students plan their meals in a way that fits with their preferences.
A note can be added to your student's account as a reminder to the cafeteria staff. However, it is the student's responsibility to choose foods that fit their dietary needs and preferences.
If you would like a note added to your student's account regarding specific eating preferences (i.e. vegetarian, no pork) please contact dietitian Hannah Post: hpost@forneyisd.net or 469-762-4155 x10577.
Make a Diet Modification Request
Child Nutrition must receive a signed Food Allergy/ Disability Substitution Request Form or signed statement by a licensed physician or other licensed health-care providers before any menu substitutions or modifications will be considered. A new form is not required each year. However, any changes to a student’s health needs must be updated and include a signed statement from a licensed physician or health-care provider.
Please send the completed form to Registered Dietitian, Hannah Post, at hpost@forneyisd.net. If your child requires menu modifications, we recommend sending them to school with meals until you receive confirmation from the dietitian that the restrictions have been noted and modifications communicated to cafeteria staff.