BHISD Special Diet Accommodations
Policy on Accommodating Students with Special Dietary Requirements
Students with disabilities that prevent them from consuming regular school meals, as certified by a Texas licensed physician, will receive modified or substituted meals.
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504 (Section 504) and the American Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 provide regulatory guidance which defines a disability as any physiological disorder or conditions, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting the body’s systems or any mental or psychological disorder which affects one of the major life activities. Individuals who take mitigating measures to improve or control any of the conditions recognized as a disability are still considered to have a disability and require an accommodation.
ARM Section 25
Requirements for Accommodations
The School Nutrition Department must provide reasonable accommodations for reimbursable meals at no additional charge, snacks, and a la carte sales when a student’s disability restricts his/her diet and the disability is supported by a medical statement signed by a medical authority that is licensed by the state of Texas to write medical prescriptions or meal as authorized by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Action (IDEA) or the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504 (Section 504).
ARM Section 25
Before any accommodations can be made, the following must be completed by a licensed physician on the Physician’s Statement form provided by the BHISD School Nutrition Department:
- The medical diagnosis that relates to the nature of the child’s disability
- The reason or major life activities affected by the diagnosis
- Foods to be omitted if necessary
- Accommodations needed
How to Request Accommodations
- Physician’s Statement Form: Obtain and complete the Physician Statement form.
- Submission: Submit the completed form to the School Nutrition Department Dietitian.
- Email: sarah.strickland@bhisd.net
- Phone: 281-576-2221 ext. 1461
- Fax: 281-576-3424
- Processing Time: Please allow up to two weeks for processing after form submission. During this period, consider providing an alternate lunch from home.
Receiving and Maintaining Forms
All forms must be submitted directly to the School Nutrition Dietitian. Upon receipt, an email confirmation will be sent outlining the approved accommodations.
Changes to Existing Modifications
Changes to dietary modifications must be documented in writing by a licensed Texas physician and submitted to the School Nutrition Dietitian.
Annual Submission
New forms are not required annually unless there are changes in the student’s dietary needs.
Non-Medical Dietary Preferences
Although we do not offer individual diet plans for non-medical dietary preferences, we provide comprehensive nutritional breakdowns, ingredient lists, and allergen information on School Café. Examples of non-medical dietary preferences include:
- Vegetarian or vegan options
- Pork-free and/or beef-free items
- Fluid milk preferences
- Religious limitations
The School Nutrition Department can:
- Modify specific menu items upon completion of the Physician’s Statement Form, ensuring allergens are omitted to the best of our knowledge.
- Provide an allergy-friendly meal when medically necessary and requested on the Physician Statement Form.
- Adjust modifications when updated Doctor’s orders are received.
The School Nutrition Department cannot:
- Interpret, revise, or alter a doctor’s order.
- Provide dietary accommodations for students without a disability.
- Accommodate dietary needs without a completed Physician Statement Form.
Milk Substitution
Milk substitution is based on student’s allergy. Juice or bottled water are not an acceptable substitute.
Contact Information
For further inquiries regarding special diet accommodations, please contact:
School Nutrition Department Dietitian: Sarah Strickland, MS, RD, LD
- Email: sarah.strickland@bhisd.net
- Phone: 281-576-2221 ext. 1461
- Fax: 281-576-3424
