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East Valley School District

To empower and inspire all in the pursuit of excellence.

Food Allergies Special Dietary Needs

Food Allergies-Special Dietary Needs

  • At East Valley School District, we are committed to providing safe, nutritious meals to all students. We follow federal and state guidelines, including USDA regulations and OSPI recommendations, regarding food allergies and special dietary accommodations.

    Allergen Disclaimer

    Some products served by East Valley School District may be processed in facilities that also handle: Peanuts, Tree nuts, Fish, Shellfish even though we try to avoid these allergens on our regular breakfast and lunch menus.

    When available, allergen information from manufacturers is included in our online menu system ("My School Menus"). Please review this tool regularly for updated product details, including:

    • Ingredient lists
    • Allergen declarations
    • Carbohydrate counts
    • Calorie and nutrient data
    • Abbreviations found on the menu: dairy free (DF), whole grain rich (WGR)

    Ingredient and allergen information may change without notice. Manufacturers sometimes update product formulations. The safest meal for a child with food allergies is one packed from home.

  • Students who are lactose intolerant or have dairy allergies are able to receive accommodations through menu variety:

    • Lactose-free milk – Available daily 
    • Dairy-free entrée options – Marked (DF) on the online menu  

    These options are available to all students without a formal accommodation request.

  • Beginning October 31, 2022, our bakery provider began using sesame flour in the following bread products:

    Hamburger buns, Hot dog buns, Hoagie rolls, Dinner Rolls

    If your child has a sesame allergy, please contact your school nurse immediately and complete a Special Dietary Accommodations Form (available at the bottom of this page).

  • East Valley Food Service does not knowingly serve peanuts, tree nuts, fish, or shellfish in our school meals. However, we cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment. Cross-contact may occur in food manufacturing, preparation, or transportation.

    Our menu software identifies the top 8 most common allergens as defined by the FDA:

    • Milk
    • Eggs
    • Peanuts
    • Tree nuts
    • Fish
    • Shellfish
    • Wheat
    • Soy

    Additionally, we identify sesame, which is required under the FASTER Act.

  • We work closely with families and medical providers to accommodate students with life-threatening food allergies or medically necessary dietary restrictions.

    If your child has an allergy or dietary disability:

    1. Remind them to alert cafeteria staff daily.
    2. Our staff will assist them in selecting safe foods.
    3. If needed, a temporary on-the-spot accommodation will be made.
    4. We will notify the school nurse and follow up with the family for a formal accommodation plan.

    Please note: We cannot accommodate personal food preferences.

  • What Qualifies?

    Meal accommodations are available only for students with a documented disability that affects their diet, including:

    • Severe food allergies
    • Celiac disease
    • Digestive conditions

    Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, a disability is defined as “a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.”

    What Does Not Qualify?

    • Vegetarian diets
    • Food dislikes
    • Religious food restrictions
    • Intolerance 

  • Submit a Special Dietary Accommodations Form, signed by a State-recognized medical authority, to your child’s school office.

    You may:

    • Download the form below
    • Request a copy from your school office

    A Complete Request Must Include:

    • Student’s full name
    • List of food(s) to avoid
    • Description of how the food affects the student
    • Safe substitutions to be provided
    • Signature of one of the following providers:
      • Medical Doctor (MD)
      • Doctor of Osteopathy (DO)
      • Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP)
      • Physician Assistant (PA) with prescriptive authority
      • Naturopathic Doctor

  • A. Complete Form Submitted

    • Office sends it to the school nurse
    • Nurse verifies information, contacts family if needed
    • Nurse notifies Food Service Office and kitchen staff
    • Food Service creates and implements a modified menu
    • Modifications are added to Skyward, and all cafeteria staff are alerted
    • K–5 students with accommodations are personally introduced to food service staff by a nurse or teacher

    B. Incomplete Form Submitted

    • Diet is temporarily accommodated
    • Parents are notified that additional information is required

    • Students with life-threatening allergies will have alerts (wanding messages) in the Food Service tab of Skyward.
    • Students whose families choose to send meals from home due to food allergies will have a note in Skyward:
    • "Life-threatening food allergy – student brings home meals"

  • For full USDA guidance on meal modifications: