Special Diet Orders are directions from a prescribing health care provider that explain to the NFS kitchen staff what food and beverage items your child cannot be served from the school cafeteria and what alternatives or substitutes should be offered.
Because the Nutrition Program at the Portsmouth School Department receives federal funding, certain meal guidelines must be strictly followed; students must be offered choices from various food groups. Cafeteria staff are not permitted to change these offerings unless they have a the Special Dietary Medical Statement completed and signed by a health care provider.
Some common health issues requiring Special Diet Orders:
Celiac Disease
Food Allergies
Lactose Intolerance
Special Diet Orders do NOT apply to food preferences or personal dietary choices such as vegetarianism or "my child doesn't like beans". Students are offered a variety of choices in our cafeteria and always have the option to pack something from home if the menu choices are not sufficient!
Want to know more about the School Nutrition Department, find links to menus, or learn more about how we are meeting the nutrition needs of our students? Click the button on the left!
Let's make a plan for your child's special dietary needs!
Step ONE: Please contact me by phone at 603-436-0910 ext. 4552 to discuss your child's needs.
Step TWO:Print & complete a Release of Information (or request one to be mailed/ sent home) to give permission to communicate and coordinate with your child's health care provider (I can fax required forms directly to your child's health care provider from my office and you can sign it when you bring medication)
Step THREE:If your child requires changes or substitutes to the food items served in the NFS kitchen, print the Special Dietary Medical Statement and take it to your child's health care provider. If you have already signed a release of information, I can fax this form directly to the health care provider
feeding&swallowingDHHS.pdf
If your child has feeding or swallowing needs and requires a safe eating plan for school, please contact Special Medical Services (see link to the left).
If your child requires a safe eating plan at school, they may also be considered for a Section 504 plan, an Individual Health Plan, or an Individual Education Plan. For more information, please select from the buttons below!