All schools participating in the National School Lunch Program and National School are required to make reasonable accommodations for children who are unable to eat the school meals because of a disability that restricts the diet. The following outlines the Food Service Department of New Hope-Solebury School District's process for accommodating students with disabilities and special dietary needs.
It is the parents/guardians' responsibility to communicate all food allergies to the school nurse. The school nurse provides this confidential information to the Director of Food Services.
The Director of Food Services makes note of the allergy/restriction in the meal system, which notifies staff at each transaction. Additionally, the Food Service Director informs the Lead Cook in each school of the special diet and if there are accommodations to be made.
Food substitutions will be made as required by the child's physician for allergies covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (severe/life-threatening). Foods containing allergens will be avoided and will be replaced with acceptable alternatives either from the planned menu or with acceptable substituted items and planned in conjunction with the parent/physician/registered dietitian.
Allergies not covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (not severe/life- threatening) will be accommodated within the framework of the planned menu. Students and families will be provided information to allow them to choose appropriate foods from those served on the planned menu in coordination with the Food Service Director and Lead Cook.
The Food Service Department of New Hope Solebury School District will provide modifications for children on a case-by-case basis when requests are supported by a written statement from a state licensed medical authority.
The Medical Plan of Action Form may be used to obtain the required information from the licensed medical authority. If your child has a food allergy, please reference this Health Services page to report the allergy to the school nurse.
School food service staff may make food substitutions for individual children who do not have a medical statement on file. Such determinations are made on a case-by-case basis and all accommodations must be made according to USDA's meal pattern requirements. Schools are encouraged, but not required, to have documentation on file when making menu modifications within the meal pattern.
