Special Dietary Needs

  • Students with a Disability

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) require that schools make substitutions to the regular meal for students who are unable to eat the meal because of their disabilities. The Child Nutrition department will make reasonable accommodations when a student’s disability restricts his/her diet and the disability is supported by a medical statement signed by a medical authority that is licensed by the State to write medical prescriptions or meal accommodation requirement in a student’s individualized education program (IEP).

    Substitutions are required for students that have:

    • A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities including eating
    • Food allergies that may result in severe, life-threatening (anaphylactic) reactions

    These conditions meet the definition of “disability” and substitutions prescribed by the licensed physician must be made. 

    Substitutions for Students Without a Disability

    Menu substitutions or modifications are only made for medically-documented needs.

    Food Allergies or Intolerances

    Children with food allergies or intolerances that are not defined as life-threatening (anaphylactic) reactions are not considered to have a disability. It is not required that food substitutions for non-life-threatening allergies or intolerances be accommodated.

    However, the LISD Child Nutrition Department is happy to work with families on a case-by-case basis to accommodate these needs. Medical documentation is required before any menu substitutions or modifications will be considered.

    Religious or Personal Preferences

    Menu substitutions or modifications will not be made for personal requests, including religious or personal preferences. Nutrition information is available at lisd.nutritslice.com to help students plan their meals in a way that fits with their preferences.

    A note can be added to your student's account as a reminder to the cafeteria staff. However, it is the student's responsibility to choose foods that fit their dietary needs and preferences.

    If you would like a note added to your student's account regarding specific eating preferences (i.e. vegetarian, no pork) please contact dietitian Elaine Graham: GrahamElaine@lisd.net or 469-948-2012.

    Make a Diet Modification Request

    Child Nutrition must receive a signed Food Allergy/ Disability Substitution Request Form or signed statement by a licensed physician or other licensed health-care providers before any menu substitutions or modifications will be considered. A new form is not required each year. However, any changes to a student’s health needs must be updated and include a signed statement from a licensed physician or health-care provider.

    English Allergy Form 

    Spanish Allergy Form 

    All Food Allergy/Disability Request Forms can be sent directly to dietitian Elaine Graham:
    GrahamElaine@lisd.net
    O: 469-948-2012