If your student has special dietary needs, school meal substitutions or modifications can be made at no extra charge with proper documentation from a physician. Students are eligible if they have been identified as having a disability under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and have special dietary needs. U.S. Department of Agriculture regulations require substitutions or modifications in school meals for students whose disabilities restrict their diets.

Examples of special dietary needs include:

• Allergies that result in severe, life-threatening reactions
• Celiac disease
• Diabetes
• Phenylketonuria

Possible modifications include, but are not limited to:

• Food restrictions (milk and milk products, gluten, eggs, etc.)
• Increased calories
• Texture changes (pureed, ground, chopped, thickened liquids, etc.)
• Tube feeding
• Weight management (calorie-controlled diet)

To request school meal substitutions or modifications, please submit the Special Dietary Needs Form or a physician's statement to foodservice@lindberghschools.ws.

Examples of what the school will provide:

• Dietary supplements (tube feeding and other nutritional formulas)
• Substitution foods (gluten-free, low protein, etc.)
• Food Service staff will be trained on optimum handling of special diet modifications
• Communication between the Food Service department, school nurse, registered dietitian, physician and family regarding your student's school meals

Schools are not required to make modifications or substitutions to meals for students with special dietary needs that are not considered a disability. This includes modifications based on the food choices of families or students regarding a healthy diet. This provision covers students who have food intolerances or allergies but do not have life-threatening reactions when exposed.

Students without disabilities, but with special dietary needs requiring food substitutions or modifications may request that the Food Service department meet their special nutrition needs. However, it is up to the individual school or district as to whether requests will be accommodated.

If you need assistance with special dietary needs, please contact the Food Service department at 314-729-2400, ext. 8875.