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 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
School Food Authorities (SFAs) may offer students a fluid milk substitute that is nutritionally equivalent to cow's milk with a parent 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 substitution meets nutrient requirements even if the substitute is on this list.
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
Training & Resources
- Webcast: Special Dietary Needs
- Webcast: Carbohydrate Counting for Students with Special Dietary Needs DPI, 06/13/16
- Special Dietary Needs Flowchart - DPI
- 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
- Voluntary Guidelines for Managing Food Allergies in Schools and Early Care and Education Programs - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- The first national comprehensive guidelines for school food allergy management (2013)