Process for Documenting Special Dietary Needs
District 49 Nutrition Services will not make school meal modifications for requests that do not rise to the level of a disability, including;
• Food sensitivity that can be accommodated through menu choices
• Dietary preferences for religious, ethical, or cultural reason, or general health concerns
A disability is considered a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activity.
1. Parent/Guardian or student notifies district staff of student’s dietary needs.
Special Dietary Need for:
• Mechanical Modification: texture, consistency, or adaptive equipment
• Nutrient Modification: diabetes, PKU, renal (low sodium), etc.
• Ingredient Modification: severe food allergy, celiac disease, etc.
2. Parent/Guardian will be put in contact with Administrative Dietitian to set meeting for parent/guardian and dietitian to discuss child’s needs and create a plan.
Kristina Flaten, RDN, SNS
(719) 494-8967
kristina.flaten@d49.org
3. If modifications are to be made, a Medical Statement for Meal Modification form will be provided.
Parent/Guardian completes and signs Parts A & C. Part B is completed and signed by an appropriate recognized medical authority.
A recognized medical authority is defined as a Licensed Physician (MD or DO), Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) with prescriptive authority, Physician Assistant (PA), or Registered Dietitian (RD).
4. Completed Medical Statement for Meal Modification forms are to be returned to the Administrative Dietitian at the D49 Central Office.
Please Note: Delays may occur if incomplete forms are submitted. Nutrition Services staff are not allowed to start, change, or stop school meal modifications before Administrative Dietitian
processes documentation and provides instructions to staff.
5. Administrative Dietitian develops specific plans for substitutions and/or accommodations, as applicable. Dietitian will contact parent/guardian to discuss and finalize meal modification plan.
6. A special dietary needs alert is entered into Point of Sale system.
7. Copies of the special dietary needs information and specific accommodation plans are sent to Kitchen Manager and School Nurse/Health Aide.
~ Meal service starts after kitchen staff receives instructions from Administrative Dietitian.
8. To discontinue a Meal Modification currently on file, contact the Administrative Dietitian and a form will be provided to be filled out by parent/guardian or recognized medical authority.
~ Nutrition Services Staff are not allowed to start, change, or stop school meal modifications before Administrative Dietitian processes documentation and provides instructions to staff.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Disclaimer
We are a food service provider. Every effort is made to instruct our food production staff on the severity of food allergies; however, there is always risk of cross-contamination. Please be aware that normal operations involve shared cooking areas, such as ovens. District 49 is sensitive to the dietary needs and concerns of our students, but we cannot ensure that cross-contamination does not occur in the kitchen or at the self-service garden bar. We thoroughly research each product with its manufacturer to determine which products to serve students with dietary restrictions. However, manufacturers may change ingredients or production practices without our knowledge. We cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of ingredient or nutritional information we provide nor liable for any adverse reactions caused by the products we sell or serve.