|
A Special Diet Form is required whenever a child in your care can’t be fed according to CACFP guidelines.
This may be due to a disability – including, but not limited to, food allergies or lactose intolerance.
USDA defines a medical disability as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, including eating, breathing and digestive functions.
A medical professional who is licensed to write prescriptions must complete and sign a Special Diet Form for a disability. In Wisconsin, this would be a Physician, Physician’s Assistant, Nurse Practitioner (APNP), Dentist, Optometrist, and Podiatrist only.
This may be due to preference – such as religious, ethnic or lifestyle reasons.
When a parent requests an alternate milk due to preference, consult the Creditable Non-Dairy Beverages (Milk Substitutions) for beverages that are nutritionally equivalent to cow’s milk:
Creditable Non-Dairy Beverages (Milk Substitutions) | Bebidas no lácteas bonificables (sustitución de la leche)
YOU MUST REPORT EVERY SPECIAL DIET required for a child, whether it’s due to a disability or preference. It does not matter whether the meals are reimbursable or not.
- Work with parents/guardians to obtain the required documentation so appropriate and safe meals can be served to the child.
- Record information on both the Special Diet and Special Dietary Needs Tracking Form. BOTH forms are required and must be completed, submitted to the WECA Food Program office and approved by the Food Program before you can be reimbursed.
Find the Special Diet and Special Dietary Needs Tracking Form here:
Remember: NOT EVERY SPECIAL DIET CAN BE REIMBURSED.
| 
