The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is responsible for overseeing the Child Nutrition Programs (CNP) nationally. In California, the federal CNPs are administered by the California Department of Education (CDE). This includes federal policy guidance pertaining to meal modifications to accommodate a participant’s disabilities, as well as options to accommodate special dietary needs.
The Americans with Disability Act (ADA) states that physical or mental impairments do not need to be life-threatening to constitute a disability. For example, a food allergy does not need to cause anaphylaxis in order to be considered a disability. Furthermore, a non-life-threatening allergy may be considered a disability and require a meal modification, if it impacts a major bodily function or other major life activity. A child’s impairment also may be considered a disability, even if medication or other mitigating measures reduce the impact of the impairment.
In addition, Nutrition Services has the option to accommodate children with special dietary needs, even if they do not rise to the level of a disability. This includes those accommodations related to religious or moral convictions or simply a personal preference.
Medical Statement for Children with Special Dietary Needs
Each special dietary request must be supported by a statement explaining the requested food substitution and must be signed by a recognized medical authority. The Medical Statement must include:
- An identification of the medical or other special dietary condition which restricts the child's diet;
- The food or foods to be omitted from the child's diet; and
- The food or choice of foods to be substituted.
If we do not receive a medical statement from a recognized medical authority, your child will receive a regular lunch. Medical statements completed by parents or guardians will not be accepted.
Medical Statement to Request Special Meals And/Or Accommodations
