Food Allergies & Special Diets

Food Allergies/Special Diets

  • AISD follows the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines for accommodating children with special needs. 

    Requirements to Make Accommodations:

    AISD may provide menu changes for the following:

    • Students who have a disability that requires an Individual Education Plan or a 504 plan and also have a special dietary need.
    • Students who do not have a disability covered by the Americans with Disability Act, but who have a disease that is life-threatening or a food allergy that requires immediate medical attention such as an EpiPen to treat anaphylactic shock.
    • Students who have allergies that need to be offered alternative menu items.
    • Students that have religious or other beliefs (ex. no pork, vegetarian, vegan) that require dietary modifications.
    • For children who do not meet the definition of a disability, or who do not have a food allergy or disease that is life threatening that requires alternate menu provisions, but have a food allergy can also have a physician fill out a "Request for Dietary Accommodation" form and reasonable accommodations will also be made for that student. 

    How to Request Accommodations:

    • Obtain a copy of a Request for Dietary Accommodation form at the links below or from the school nurse.
    • The form must be completed and signed by a medical doctor who is licensed to practice in Texas. 
    • Return the completed form to their school鈥檚 caf茅 manager.
    • We will evaluate the form and inform the caregiver if the special need request meets the requirements of the regulations.

    For additional information contact AISD Dietitian Rachel Dunn at Rachel.Dunn@austinisd.org or at 512-414-0250.