Accommodating Special Dietary Needs

Accommodating Special Dietary Needs

National Food Service Management InstituteThe University of Mississippi

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Objective 1

Be familiar with major legislation

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Prohibits discrimination against qualified handicapped persons in anyprogram or activity that receivesfederal financial assistance

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Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Defines handicap as “…a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities”

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Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

Ensures that all children with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education

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Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA)

Prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities in areas of employment, public services, public accommodations, transportation, and communication

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The Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act of 2008

• Expanded the definition of a disability• Became effective January 1, 2009• New regulations for school foodservice have

not yet been issued by USDA

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Objective 2

Identify legal, food safety, and financial considerations related to

special needs

Other Legal Considerations

• Regulations• Guidance• State law• Case law• School policy and procedure• Documentation• Prescription/medical orders followed as written• Confidentiality

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Food Safety Considerations

• Follow principles of food safety when preparing special needs foods

• Maintain a separate area for allergenic foods

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Financial Considerations

• Special foods, supplements, consultations

• Equipment–may be funded through IDEA

• Medicaid (varies from state to state)

• Title 1

• PTA

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Objective 3

List required components of the diet prescription

Disability

• Accommodation must be made

• No extra charge to student

• Only a licensed physician can diagnose a disability

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Examples of Food Related Disabilities

• Diabetes

• Phenylketonuria (PKU)

• Food anaphylaxis

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Statement for Children with Disabilities

• What the disability is• Major life activity or ADL affected• How it restricts the diet• Complete diet order – including texture

modifications• Foods to be omitted• Foods to be substituted

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Special Dietary Needs That Are NOT A Disability

• Food allergies (unless anaphylactic) and intolerances

• Accommodations may be made but are generally not required

• In many cases, can be accommodated through offer vs. serve or by providing additional choices

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Statement for Children Who Are NOT Disabled

• Signed by a recognized medical authority (physician, nurse, others specified by state agency)

• Identify the medical/dietary condition that restricts the child’s diet

• Foods to be omitted• Foods to be substituted

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Objective 4

Identify common dietary modifications

Common Menu Modifications

Texture Calories ground increased chopped decreased pureed

Consistency of Liquidsnectarhoney

pudding19

Food Allergy

• A reaction between a food protein and the body’s immune system

• Symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening

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Most Common Allergenic Foods • Milk• Eggs• Fish• Crustacean shellfish• Soy• Wheat• Peanuts• Treenuts

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Anaphylaxis

A severe, life-threatening allergic response

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Objective 5

Describe effective and appropriate interaction with those with disabilities and their caregivers