Special Dietary Needs
Meal Accommodations for Students with Disabilities:
School menus in Poway Unified School District offer choices within food groups, to allow students with special dietary needs (such as food allergies, for example) to select foods from the regular menu that meet their needs. Families can view allergens and nutrient information on the interactive online menus application. However, if a student has a disabling medical condition that restricts their diet in a way that cannot be accommodated from the regular menu, reasonable menu substitutions will be made on a case-by-case basis. Special accommodations can only be made when supported by a written Medical Statement to Request Special Meals and/or Accommodations from a state licensed healthcare professional or a registered dietitian (RD). The California Department of Education permits the following healthcare professionals to complete and sign the form: licensed physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and registered dietitians. The form must be completed in its entirety and returned to the student’s school administration office. The form should be updated by the licensed healthcare professional or RD, as appropriate, to reflect current medical/nutritional needs of the student.
Milk Substitutions:
If a medical professional deems a child’s milk allergy or intolerance to be a disability, then the Medical Statement form (see above) must be completed and signed by the licensed physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or registered dietitian. Appropriate accommodations will be made on a case-by-case basis (e.g. soy milk, fruit juice, water).
In cases of non-disabling lactose intolerance, a parent/guardian may request lactose-free milk to be provided with meals. Juice is not an allowable milk substitute for students without disabilities. To request lactose-free milk for your child, please complete and sign the Parental Request for Lactose-Free Milk form, and return it to your child’s school administration office.
Personal Preferences:
Unfortunately, Poway Unified School District is unable to provide special diets based on personal preferences or religious convictions. To meet the needs of a diverse student population, we offer a variety of menu choices every day. By offering choices (protein, grain, fruit, vegetable, and milk), each child can customize a meal that suits his or her appetite and food preferences. Menu details can be viewed on the interactive online menus application.