Modifications Based on Compliant Medical Documentation

An adult student or student's parent requesting special dietary accommodations for a student with a disability that restricts the diet must provide the Medical Statement for Special Dietary Needs signed by a State authorized medical authority, which is a medical professional authorized in the State of Wisconsin to write prescriptions. The request must contain the following information:

1. an explanation of how the student’s physical or mental impairment restricts the diet;
2. the food(s)/type(s) of foods to be avoided;
3. the food(s)/type(s) of foods to be substituted;
4. additional pertinent information, if any, that will assist in accommodating the student's needs.

If a Medical Statement for Special Dietary Needs is incomplete, unclear, or lacks sufficient detail, the special dietary accommodation coordinator or food service director shall request that the student or parent/guardian request that the medical authority supplement the response so that a safe meal can be provided.

A special dietary accommodation for a student who has a disability that restricts the student’s diet must be supported by a Medical Statement for Special Dietary Needs, which should be submitted to the Food Service Director who shall serve as the Special Dietary Accommodation Coordinator

Laura Charlier 400 Michigan Ave. Oconto, WI 54153 (920) 834-7814 ext. 2111 foodservice@oconto.k12.wi.us

A student with a disability may have an IEP or 504 plan that requires specific instruction, services, or accommodation related to the student’s nutritional needs. If a student’s IEP or 504 plan contains the same information that is required on a Medical Statement for Special Dietary Needs, then it is not necessary to obtain and submit a separate Medical Statement for Special Dietary Needs. Form PI-6314 can be obtained from the Department of Public Instruction (https://dpi.wi.gov/sites/default/files/imce/forms/pdf/f6314-english.pdf).

The individual making an initial request for such substitutions must inform the Food Service Director or Special Dietary Accommodation Coordinator that the student has a disability that restricts the student's diet. The School District will honor the request upon receipt of the required documentation from a State authorized medical authority. If the Special Dietary Accommodation Coordinator is unable to grant a requested accommodation following receipt of the medical authority's statement, the student or parent shall be provided with an explanation of the basis for the decision. Compliant requests shall be immediately implemented.

Disability Accommodation Grievance Procedure

The following procedure is intended to provide prompt and equitable resolution to any concern or disagreement regarding the food service program's administration of meal modifications made or requested on the basis of a student's disability. None of the procedures described in this policy section shall prevent a student or parent from pursuing a complaint with any State or Federal agency, including the USDA, using the procedures described at the end of this policy.

1. If an initial request for accommodation in the form of substituted meals is denied, the student or parent may request review of that decision by the Building Principal and shall provide any communications between the student or parent and food service officials concerning the accommodation request, any documentation provided by a medical authority, and any additional information the student or parent believes is pertinent to the decision. A review of the materials provided and of the initial decision shall be completed and a response provided to the student or parent as soon as practicable following receipt of the request for review. If the initial decision is reversed, including due to additional information provided on review, the dietary accommodations shall be implemented without delay. If the initial decision is affirmed the decision may appealed to the District Administrator whose decision is final.

1. Any other complaint or disagreement with the food service administration concerning implementation of special dietary accommodations based on a student's disability shall be presented to the Special Dietary Accommodation Coordinator. The student or parent shall specify the nature of the concern and any requested remedy in writing. The Coordinator shall promptly review the grievance and either contact the student or parent for any required clarification of the request or to seek to reach an agreement regarding how to best address the concern. If no agreement is reached, the Coordinator shall make a determination and notify the student or parent in writing as soon as practicable. If the grievance is affirmed in any respect, the Coordinator shall propose a plan for implementing appropriate remedial measures. If the student or parent is dissatisfied with the Coordinator's determination, the student or parent may submit a written request to the Building Principal or District Administrator for review. The administrator's determination shall be final.

Modifications Based on Noncompliant Medical Requests

On a case-by-case basis, substitutions to the standard meal requirements may be made, at no additional charge, for students who provide a signed statement from a qualified medical authority that the student cannot consume certain food items due to medical or other special dietary needs, but which does not comply with the requirements above. To qualify for such consideration and substitutions the medical statement must identify:

1. the medical or dietary need that restricts the student's diet; and
2. the food(s) to be omitted from the student's diet and the food(s) or choice of foods that may be substituted.

Modification Based on Student/Parental Preference

When a request for a special dietary accommodation is not supported by an authorized Medical Statement for Special Dietary Needs or included in a student’s IEP or 504 plan, the School District cannot provide modified meals that are not in compliance with USDA Child Nutrition Program requirements. However, the Board authorizes the following:

1. Fluid Milk Substitution

The School District shall have no legal obligation to accommodate a student’s or a parent's preference for a fluid milk substitute if there is no Medical Statement for Special Dietary Needs on file requiring such a substitute. However, the District will assist the student in choosing a reimbursable meal through offer versus serve (OVS).

1. Religious Reason

The School District shall have no legal obligation to accommodate a student’s or parent’s request for accommodations based on religious requests. However, the District will assist the student in choosing a reimbursable meal through offer versus serve (OVS).st must meet USDA Child Nutrition Program meal pattern requirements.

1. General Dietary Preference

The School District shall have no legal obligation to accommodate a student’s or parent’s general health, nutrition, or food preferences. However, the District will assist the student in choosing a reimbursable meal through offer versus serve (OVS).

IMPLEMENTATION AND DISCONTINUATION

Review

Upon receipt of a request for a special dietary accommodation, the Food Service Director or Special Dietary Accommodation Coordinator shall review the request to ensure it is supported as required by Federal law and District policy and if not, shall request additional or clarifying information from the student or parent making the request.

Implementation

When the need for a special dietary accommodation is supported by a Medical Statement for Special Dietary Needs signed by a State authorized medical authority, the District will offer a reasonable modification that effectively accommodates the student’s disability. Following USDA Child Nutrition Program regulations, the School District may consider factors such as cost and efficiency and is not required to prepare a specific meal, provide a specific brand of food, or provide a meal beyond the meals provided to other students.

For students who have an IEP or 504 plan that requires specific food related accommodations, the School District shall provide the accommodation as required by law, seeking clarifying medical information, as necessary.

A special dietary request will be approved and implemented upon submission of a completed authorized Medical Statement.

Student Absence

If a student receiving a special dietary accommodation is absent or does not wish to participate in school lunch on a day an accommodation is planned, the student or parent shall contact the Special Dietary Accommodation Coordinator by 9:00 a.m. the same day.

Renewing A Special Dietary Request

An authorized Medical Statement does not need to be updated annually. However, the Special Dietary Accommodation Coordinator may annually seek clarification or updates on special dietary requests.

Discontinuation of a Special Dietary Request

A special dietary request or part of a request may be discontinued by a parent by submitting the request in writing to the Special Dietary Accommodation Coordinator or shall be discontinued consistent with the medical authorities recommendation provided with the Medical Statement for Special Dietary Needs.