This guidance describes some of the factors which must be considered in the early phases of planning and suggests ways in which the school food service can interact with other responsible parties in the school and the community at large to serve children with disabilities. The guidance is based on the policy guidelines outlined in the FNS Instruction 783-2, Revision 2, Meal Substitutions for Medical or Other Special Dietary Reasons.

In most cases, children with disabilities can be accommodated with little extra expense or involvement. 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. Often, the substitutions can be made relatively easily. There are situations, however, which may require additional equipment or specific technical training and expertise. When these instances occur, it is important that school food service managers and parent(s) be involved at the outset in preparations for the child's entrance into the school."

Regulatory Guidance (pdf)

Special Needs Handbook for Child Nutrition Program:

The purpose of this handbook is to identify the developmental disabilities and other health care needs to be served by school food service, and provide information related to the type of intervention indicated. The handbook will also include a discussion of the regulations requiring the school's participation and training needs of the food service workers.

Handbook (pdf)

Training Materials - Meeting Children's Special Needs

Training materials for presenting this information to your staff have been developed by the National School Food Service Management Institute.

Meeting Children's Special Food and Nutrition Needs in Child Nutrition Programs