Provide food substitutions for students according to Medical Statement. The school food service staff may not revise or change a diet prescription or medical order.
Provide training to cafeteria personnel on how to properly accommodate students with special dietary needs. Maintain documentation of this training.
Communicate with parents, staff, and medical authorities regarding diet modifications.
Maintain Medical Statement on each student with a special dietary need. Diet orders are not required to be renewed on a yearly basis, however, PDE recommends that you confirm, on a yearly basis, the diet order has not changed. If there are any changes to the diet, a new Medical Statement is required.
If the school is opting to make a milk substitute available for non-disabling dietary needs, research products to ensure they meet the USDA nutrient standards for a milk substitute. Notify the Division of Food and Nutrition if you are making milk substitutes available for non-disabling special needs.
Collaborate with food service director, school staff, parents, and physician to appropriately share pertinent information, obtain a copy of Medical Statement, and accommodate students with special dietary needs.
Develop medical plan of care as appropriate (Individualized Healthcare Plan).
Notify the school of any food allergy, disability or special dietary need.
Provide Medical Statement completed by a physician (disability), a recognized medical authority (non-disabling special dietary need), or the parent (non-disabling special dietary needs for milk only).
Participate in any meetings or discussions regarding the student’s meal plan.
Maintain a healthy line of communication with the school.
Notify the school of any changes relating to the special dietary need (a new Medical Statement is required if the diet changes).
