Children with Special Needs

• Estudiantes con Necesidades Especiales
• 有特別需要的學生

Food Substitutions for Religous Requirements

Most substitutions for food items may be made if children are unable, because of religious reasons, to consume certain foods. Prior approval for food substitutions for religious reasons must be obtained from Student Nutrition Services.

Food Substitutions for Food Allergies

Substitutions because of food allergies may be made when supported by a statement from a recognized medical authority. Student Nutrition Services has prepared forms that may be duplicated and used for this purpose. The completed form must be kept on file by the school. Annual updating is recommended. Allergy-related food substitutions made in response to a medical certificate from a physician are not mandated by State of Federal regulations, except for children who are eligible for free or reduced price meals. In that case, because of EC Section 49550 (referred to as the State Meal Mandate), denying the substitution results in a violation of State law. Substitutions for children who do not have a disability and who are eligible for full price meals are discretionary and may be provided if the sponsor so chooses, as specified in the National School Lunch Program regulations.

Download Form:
Medical Statement to Request Special Meals and/or Accommodations

Food Substitutions for Disabilities

Students are considered disabled when their condition substantially limits one or more major life activity such as caring for one’s self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working. 7CFR, part 210.10(i)(1), addresses the requirements for providing special meals to children whose disabilities restrict the diets: Schools shall make substitutions in foods…for students who are considered to have disability under 7CFR part 15b and whose disability restricts their diet. School may also make substitutions for students with no disability who are unable to consume the regular meal because of medical or other special dietary needs. Substitutions shall be made on a case-by-case basis only when supported by a statement of the need for substitutions that includes recommended alternate foods, unless otherwise exempted by a physician or, in the case of a student not having a disability, by a recognized medical authority.

** A recognized medical authority is a physician’s assistant or a nurse practitioner.

Written Certification

A medical certificate from a physician must be obtained by the sponsor when a special meal is needed for a child with a disability. Student Nutrition Services has prepared forms that may be duplicated and used (see Appendix). A completed copy of this form is to be kept on file by the school for each child with a disability who is served a special meal. If the form is not used, the medical certification should contain the information requested on the form. Annual updating is recommended. A meal requiring any food substitutions or texture modification is considered a special meal.

Submit required form to Student Nutrition Services, 841 Ellis Street, San Francisco, CA 94109