Special Diets and Meal Accommodations

Meal Substitutions for Medical or Special Dietary Needs

USDA regulations require substitutions or modifications in school meals for children whose disabilities restrict their diets. A child with a disability must be provided substitutions in foods when that need is supported by a signed statement from a state licensed physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner.

In cases of food allergies, children with food allergies or intolerances generally do not have a disability as defined under these regulations, unless the licensed physician’s assessment states food allergies may result in severe, life-threatening (anaphylactic) reactions.

 

Medical Statement for Children with Special Dietary Needs

Each special dietary request must be supported by a statement explaining the requested food substitution and must be signed by a state licensed healthcare professional. The Medical Statement must include:

• An identification of the medical or other special dietary condition which restricts the child’s diet;
• The food or foods to be omitted from the child’s diet; and
• The food or choice of foods to be substituted.

If we do not receive a medical statement from a recognized medical authority, we are not able to provide the substitutions your child needs.  Medical statements completed by parents or guardians will not be accepted.

Milk is the most frequent item for which substitutions are requested. Please see the detailed information attached.

For students with a milk allergy

 

Food Allergy List

To help students avoid foods containing the most common food allergens (milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish and shell fish) a list of foods containing these ingredients has been developed.

The ingredient data may not be 100% accurate as manufacturers sometime change product formulas or vendors substitute product without our knowledge.

Elementary Schools

Middle Schools

High Schools

 

 List of Gluten Free Foods

Gluten_Free_Menu_Items_-_2018-19.pdf

 

A list of the ingredients in each item served in PWCS can be found below. The information for processed items is taken from the manufacturer's nutrition label. The information for our school made items is taken from our recipes.

Ingredient_Facts_of_School_Food_Items.xls

 

A nutritional analysis of each item served in PWCS can be found below.

Elementary School

Middle School

High School

 

Food Safety

 

If you need additional information, please call 703.791.7314 to speak to our dietitian.