Special Dietary Needs Info

The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act requires schools to follow strict meal patterns and dietary specifications. Reasonable modifications to meals for students with diagnosed disabilities that restrict diet may be provided upon submission of a written medical statement signed by a state-licensed health care professional authorized to write medical statements.

The submitted statement to request accommodations for special dietary needs must include the following information:

• The student's name
• A description of the child's physical or mental impairment and how it restricts the child's diet
• An explanation of how to accommodate the disability
• List any dietary restrictions or special diet instructions for school meals
• List food(s) to be omitted from the diet
• List food(s) to be substituted
• Any designated texture modification
• Any designated consistency modification
• Any special equipment or utensils needed
• Additional comments about the child's eating or feeding patterns
• Signature and contact information of a state-licensed healthcare professional.

CCPS does not have peanut or nut-free schools. Students may bring nut-containing meals from home. Students with nut allergies may contact the school's nutrition manager to discuss alternate menu choices. 

Students who are lactose intolerant have the option of lactose-free milk with breakfast and lunch meals. Menus are designed to accommodate a variety of diets, including vegetarian and pork-restricted diets. 

• Notify the healthcare technician and nutrition manager of any food allergy, disability, or special dietary need regarding the student. 
• Provide a medical statement completed by a state-licensed health care professional authorized to write medical prescriptions under state law that includes all of the above-listed elements. 
• Maintain an open line of communication with the healthcare technician, nutrition manager, and nutrition department program coordinator, and participate in meetings or discussions regarding the student's meal plan. 
• Notify the healthcare technician and nutrition manager of any changes related to special dietary or other needs. 
• If changes are needed, the parent or guardian must submit a new form.