Special Diets and Allergies

Step

Instructions and Procedures

If a new student requiring menu modifications arrives mid-year, a completed BCSS Statement to Request Accommodations for Special Dietary Needs in the School Meal Programs form should be submitted to SNP school manager prior to the student’s first day of school.

Updated BCSS Statement to Request Accommodations for Special Dietary Needs in the School Meal Programs form with any changes to a student’s menu modifications that occur during the school year should be submitted to the SNP school manager immediately upon receipt by the school.

If a student meal modification is needed and the school has not received a completed BCSS Statement to Request Accommodations for Special Dietary Needs in the School Meal Programs form, reasonable menu modifications will be provided for the safety of the student. SNP school manager will periodically check with the school nurse for an update on acquiring the completed form from the parent/guardian.

Parents can access the BCSS Statement to Request Accommodations for Special Dietary Needs in the School Meal Programs form on the district website and from the school front office or school nurse.

BCSS Statement to Request Accommodations for Special Dietary Needs in the School Meal Programs form or physician’s medical statement/order must include the following:

• Description of student’s physical or mental impairment and how it restricts their diet
• How to accommodate the allergy/disability
• Any foods/beverages that must be omitted from the student’s diet and recommended alternatives (modifications cannot be denied if alternatives are not listed)

For parent/guardian written requests for a milk substitute, the milk substitute must be nutritionally equivalent to cow’s milk.

Lactose free milk will be the only milk substitute offered and must be served at the lunch meal service to students with an approved written request for a milk substitute.

Lactose free milk may be offered at the breakfast meal service to students with an approved written request for a milk substitute.

Any parent/guardian written requests for a milk substitute must be verified by the school front office prior to submission to SNP school manager.

SNP school manager must communicate verbally and in writing, in the form of a list, with all SNP staff to review any student menu modifications. This will include a review of menu items that can be on a student’s serving tray and items that cannot be served to student.

SNP school manger will place a typed list of all students requiring menu modifications on both the cafeteria serving line and cashier stand. List must include student name, allergen(s) and any other pertinent notes regarding required menu modifications.

SNP school manager must physically identify all students requiring menu modifications to each SNP staff member in order for recognition to be made in the serving line and at cashier stand.

SNP school manager must communicate any changes made to a student’s BCSS Statement to Request Accommodations for Special Dietary Needs in the School Meal Programs form with all SNP staff to ensure menu modifications are adjusted accurately. SNP school manager will update the typed list of students with menu modifications accordingly and place a new list on both the cafeteria serving line and cashier stand immediately upon notification of changes.

All special trays prepared for students with required menu modifications must be labeled with student name. This will ensure adherence to food modifications and that the student receives and maintains the correct tray.

SNP school manager is responsible for proper storage of any allergens. Storage requirements include separation of any identified allergen(s) from general food stock in cooler, freezer and storage room.

SNP school manager and assistant manager/lead cook are responsible for reading all food labels at time of food deliveries in order to identify any products containing food allergens.

SNP school manager is responsible for preventing any cross-contact with allergens on kitchen preparation surfaces and equipment such as utensils, pots, pans, cutting boards, counters, fabrics, etc. and will educate all SNP staff on such prevention. SNP school manager will ensure all areas are sanitized before and after meal service preparation schedules when working with any products containing specific allergens.

In the event of an allergy emergency with a student, SNP school manager will contact the designated school health professional and principal, with emergency services being called as instructed by school leadership.

SNP school manager will document all student allergy emergencies and maintain all documents on file for audit and regulatory purposes.

USDA expanded definition of disability includes: digestive, immune, respiratory, neurologic and endocrine.