Special Diets

In recent years, we have seen increasing emphasis on ensuring children with disabilities have the same opportunities as other children to receive an education and education-related benefits, such as school meals. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) nondiscrimination regulation, as well as the regulations governing the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP), make it clear that substitutions to the regular meal must be made for children who are unable to eat school meals because of their disabilities when that need is certified by a licensed physician.

In most cases, children with a special diet request can be accommodated with offer vs. serve. The nature of the child’s disability, the reason the disability prevents the child from eating the regular school meal, and the specific substitutions needed must be specified in a statement signed by a licensed physician.

A Special Diet form must be submitted to accommodate children with special dietary needs. A physician's signature is required on the form.

Please contact Karla Guerra (915) 926-4988 for questions about a student's food allergy or dietary restriction.