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Meal Modifications

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) nondiscrimination regulation (7 CFR 15b), as well as the regulations governing the Child Nutrition Programs, are clear that substitutions to the regular meal must be made, at no extra cost, for children who are unable to eat meals served in any Child Nutrition Programs (CNP) because of their disabilities. The ADA Amendments Act articulates that most physical and mental impairments constitute a disability.

Modifications within the Meal Pattern

If a meal modification for a child's disability can be made within the CNP meal pattern, a medical statement is not necessary and Chartwells is not required to obtain a medical statement.

Modifications Outside of the Meal Pattern

If a student’s disability requires a modification outside the meal pattern, the request needs to be supported by a medical statement signed by a State licensed healthcare professional.

The medical statement (Meal Modification Request Form template) must include:

  • Information about the child's physical or mental impairment that is sufficient to allow Chartwells to understand how it restricts the child's diet,
  • An explanation of what must be done to accommodate the child's disability, and
  • The food or foods to be omitted and recommended alternatives, in the case of a modified meal.

Chartwells may not require the written medical statement to provide a specific diagnosis by name or use the term "disabled" or "disability," though the State licensed healthcare professional may use these terms when submitting a medical statement.

If the child's IEP or 504 Plan includes the information required in the medical statement, or if  written medical verification of the impairment during the IEP/504 Plan process is obtained, it is not necessary for Chartwells  to also obtain a separate medical statement.

If your student has a disability that requires a meal modification, please contact the nurse at the school your student attends.  The school nurse will collaborate with Chartwells’ Registered Dietician, who will then contact the family directly to determine the best support based upon the student’s disability, age/level of independence.