The USDA’s meal patterns do not apply to modified meals for children whose disability restricts their diet. However, meals that consist only of texture modifications, such as chopped, ground, or pureed foods, must meet the USDA’s meal patterns.
Optional meal modifications for children whose dietary need does not constitute a disability must always meet the meal patterns. Meals and ASP snacks that do not meet the meal patterns are ineligible for reimbursement.
For grades K-12 in the NSLP, the meal patterns and weekly dietary specifications do not apply to modified meals for children whose disability restricts their diet. Meal modifications for children with disabilities are not included in the CSDE’s nutrient analysis of school menus, when a nutrient analysis is required as part of the Administrative Review of school nutrition programs. However, optional meal modifications for children without a disability, and meals for children with disabilities that consist only of texture modifications or food substitutions from the same component, must meet the meal patterns and weekly dietary specifications. These meals are included in the CSDE’s nutrient analysis of school menus, when a nutrient analysis is required as part of the Administrative Review of school nutrition programs. For information on the meal patterns for school nutrition programs, review the resources below. NSLP and SBP for grades K-12: Visit the CSDE’s Meal Patterns for Grades K-12 in School Nutrition Programs webpage and review the CSDE’s guide, Menu Planning Guide for School Meals.
View the Special Dietary Accommodations Policy
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