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Accommodating Children with Special Dietary Needs in the School Nutrition Programs

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Guidance Documents
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PDF Icon Guidance document (718.08 KB)

Accommodating children with special dietary needs in the School Nutrition Programs. Guidance for school food service staff.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) nondiscrimination regulation (7 CFR 15b), as well as the regulations governing the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program, 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.

Page updated: April 03, 2024