Allergy and Special Nutrition Needs

In accordance with USDA regulations, National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs must ensure children with disabilities have an equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP). School Food Authorities (SFA's) are to make reasonable meal modifications to accommodate children with disabilities. This includes providing special meals, at no extra charge, to children with a disability which restricts their diet.

A disability is defined as:

• A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities of such individual.
• A record of such an impairment; or
• Being regarded as having such an impairment

SFA's are required to make substitutions to meals for children with a disability that restricts the child’s diet and only when supported by a written medical statement from a State licensed healthcare professional. In Georgia, this includes a medical professional licensed to prescribe medication, such as a Physician (Medical or Osteopathic Physician), Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant.