Food Allergies/Special Meal Accommodations

  • The Orchard Park Central School District is committed to fostering an inclusive environment. We recognize and accommodate the diverse needs of students with food allergies and encourage families to partner with us if their child with an allergy has an interest in our food service program.

    If your child has a food allergy or requires a meal substitution or accommodation, please contact Lisa Valentin from Personal Touch - lvalentin@opschools.org

    The following allergen list is provided by Personal Touch, our food service provider.

    Allergen List

    Please note: items shaded in the Allergen List are items not currently served in Orchard Park school building cafeterias.

    Families may also view detailed allergen listings and nutritional information on our menus.

    Meal Substitutions for Medical or Special Dietary Reasons

    USDA Regulation 7 CFR Part 15b requires substitutions or modifications in school meals for children whose disabilities restrict their diets. A child with a disability must be provided substitutions in foods when that need is supported by a signed statement from a licensed physician.

    Food Allergies

    Generally, children with food allergies or intolerances do not have a disability as defined under either Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act or Part B of IDEA, and the school food service may, but is not required to, make food substitutions for them.  However, when in the licensed physician’s assessment, food allergies may result in severe, life-threatening (anaphylactic) reactions, the child’s condition would meet the definition of “disability”, and the substitutions prescribed by the licensed physician must be made.
     
    School food services may make food substitutions, at their discretion, for individual children who do not have a disability, but who are medically certified as having a special medical or dietary need. Such determinations are made on a case-by-case basis. This provision covers those children who have food intolerances or allergies but do not have life-threatening reactions (anaphylactic reactions) when exposed to the food(s) to which they have problems.