Food & Nutrition Services (FNS) strives to provide meals for students with special dietary needs. We will make menu modifications and substitutions when appropriate and economically feasible. To assist parents and medical professionals, FNS has available our menu nutrient information.

Menu substitutions must be made for children with a classified physical or mental disability when supported by a signed physician’s MEDICAL STATEMENT. Menu substitutions may also be made for children with special dietary conditions unrelated to a disability (i.e. some food allergies, diabetes) when supported by a MEDICAL STATEMENT signed by a recognized medical authority (physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or registered dietitian).

FNS will try to accommodate special dietary needs for students without a disability. However, USDA regulations state that the school is not required to serve special meals to all children with diet restrictions. Such determinations are made on a case-by-case basis by the FNS registered dietitian, and must be supported by the appropriate form and signed by a recognized medical authority.

FNS considers religious and ethnic food preference requests and will try to assist parents in providing an alternative when possible or economically feasible. A physician’s signature is not required for special meal requests, but parents must submit a SPECIAL MEALS REQUEST to their cafeteria manager or our registered dietitian before consideration is given.

Below are the three categories for submitting a medical statement or special meals request, and the required signatures.

Physical or Mental Disabilities

A physician’s signature is required on the FNS Request for Special Nutritional Needs listing the special diet modifications needed and suggested substitutions. Please complete PART A in its entirety and have your child’s physician fully complete PART B. This form needs to be submitted annually and a copy will be kept in the cafeteria manager’s and school nurse’s offices.

Non-Disabled/Special Dietary Needs

A recognized medical authority must sign a FNS Request for Special Nutritional Needs that lists the special diet modifications requested, and identifies appropriate substitutions. Please complete PART A in it’s entirety and have a medical professional fully complete PART B. This form needs to be submitted annually and a copy kept in the cafeteria manager’s and school nurse’s offices.

Lactose Intolerance

A parent or guardian signature is required on the FNS Request for Special Nutritional Needs identifying the food intolerance.  Please complete PART A in its entirety, part B is not required for lactose intolerance, and return the form to the FNS cafeteria manager. This form needs to be submitted annually and a copy kept in the cafeteria manager’s and school nurse’s offices.

Religious/Ethnic Dietary Needs

A parent or guardian signature is required on the FNS Request for Special Nutritional Needs identifying the food preferences and/or requested restrictions. Please complete PART A in its entirety and return the form to the FNS cafeteria manager. Part B is not required for food preferences and/or requested restrictions. This form needs to be submitted annually and a copy kept in the cafeteria manager’s and school nurse’s offices.

For your convenience, a list of our menu items identifying allergens (i.e., nuts, milk, soy, etc.), carbohydrate contents and attributes (i.e., contains pork, vegetarian, etc.) is available to assist you in working with your child on food and beverages that are applicable for their dietary needs. Please review the list regularly because menu items and their ingredients can change throughout the year.

If you need further assistance with special dietary meals, please contact our Registered Dietitian, Amanda Fox at (813) 794-2183.