Overview
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulations 7 CFR Part 15b require that School Food Authorities (SFA) operating the USDA Child Nutrition Programs provide meal modifications for students with special dietary needs related to a disability when requests are supported by a state authorized medical authority or registered dietitian.
The Special Dietary Needs In a Nutshell provides an overview of the requirements.
Medical Statement for Special Dietary Needs
A fillable form for requesting special dietary accommodations that can be completed electronically or printed and filled out by hand. This form provides guidance and documentation for special dietary requests.
Special Dietary Needs Policy
All School Food Authorities (SFAs) must have procedures to inform parents and guardians how to request a meal modification and their right to file a grievance.
Fluid Milk Substitutions
SFAs may offer students a fluid milk substitute that is nutritionally equivalent to cow's milk with a written parent/guardian request. A list of allowable fluid milk substitutes is provided; however, other allowable substitutes can be served. If serving a fluid milk substitute, SFAs are responsible for ensuring that the substitute meets nutrient requirements even if on this list.
Training & Resources
- Providing Halal Meals in a Nutshell
- Providing Kosher Meals in a Nutshell
- Webcast: Special Dietary Needs
- Webcast: Carbohydrate Counting for Students with Special Dietary Needs DPI, 06/13/16
- The Food Allergy Book: What Employees Need to Know - National Education Association Health Information Network
- Managing Food Allergies in Schools Toolkit - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Meal Modifications to Accommodate Students with Disabilities
Guidance
- USDA Policy Memorandum SP 07-2025, CACFP 07-2025 Requirement to Accept Medical Statements from Registered Dietitians for Schools and Child and Adult Care Institutions and Facilities USDA, 12/30/2024
- Special dietary needs rules and carbohydrate counting for students with diabetes participating in the USDA Child Nutrition Programs (Update to SNT Memorandum dated March 19, 2015) DPI SNT, 11/28/17
- Accommodating Children with Disabilities in the School Meal Programs: Guidance for School Food Service Professionals USDA, 07/25/17
- Accommodating Disabilities in the School Meal Programs: Guidance and Questions and Answers SP 26-2017, USDA, 04/25/17
- Modifications to Accommodate Disabilities in the School Meal Programs SP 59-2016, USDA, 09/27/16
- Q&As: Milk Substitution for Children with Medical or Special Dietary Needs (Non-Disability) SP 07-2010, USDA, 11/12/09