Malik Academy participates in the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program, providing healthy meals daily at no cost to students or their families. We are committed to ensuring that all students are healthy, safe, and fully included in all aspects of our school community.
To support this commitment, the school will make reasonable modifications to meals, including providing special meals at no extra charge, to accommodate students with disabilities, allergies, or other medical or dietary restrictions that restrict a child’s diet.
Meal Modification Requirements
- Modifications will be made on a case-by-case basis when supported by a written medical statement completed and signed by a State-licensed healthcare professional (e.g., physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant).
- The medical statement must:
- Describe the child’s physical or mental impairment and how it restricts the diet.
- Identify the food(s) to be avoided and safe alternatives.
- Include any necessary details such as caloric modifications, texture adjustments, portion sizes, or liquid nutritional supplements.
- If the statement lacks sufficient detail, the school office, or food service staff will contact the healthcare provider or parent/guardian to clarify.
Examples of Modifications
- Substituting allergen-free items (e.g., removing milk for a child with a dairy allergy).
- Adjusting food texture or portion sizes as prescribed.
- Designing meal plans within the Program meal pattern when possible.
Implementation & Communication
- Parents/guardians must submit a Meal Modification Request Form, available in the school office.
- Upon receipt, the school office will notify the food service department and all relevant staff.
- Modifications will begin immediately upon receipt of the completed documentation and will continue while additional details are gathered if needed.
- Requests remain in effect until the school receives written notice from the parent/guardian to discontinue accommodations.
- If no medical statement is provided, the student will receive the standard meal without modifications.
Program Standards & Limitations
- The school is not required to provide the exact brand or product requested but must provide a reasonable substitute that safely accommodates the student’s needs.
- Modifications must not fundamentally alter the nature of the meal program.
- Expense and efficiency may be considered, provided that the modification effectively accommodates the disability and ensures equal access.
- Meals that do not meet the Program meal pattern are not eligible for reimbursement unless supported by a valid medical statement.
Parents Rights:
- Parents/guardians will be notified of the process to request accommodations
- Parents/ guardians will have the opportunity to participate fully, examine the record, receive written notice of the final decision, and request a review procedure.
Collaboration
We encourage ongoing collaboration between families, healthcare providers, and food service staff, to ensure safe and effective accommodations. When appropriate, the school may also seek guidance from a Registered Dietitian or the State administering agency.