WCSD Nutrition Services provides special dietary accommodations for students with a documented medical condition that affects their food intake. Students with a disability or adverse food reaction (ie. food intolerance, food allergy) can receive special dietary accommodations at their school.

To initiate the dietary accommodation process, the following form, “Medical Request for Student Diet Modification,” must be completed and signed by a recognized medical authority (Medical Doctor, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Nurse Practitioner, or Physician Assistant). Please find links below to the English and Spanish versions of this form.

Once the form is completed and received by the Nutrition Services Department, students can expect to receive their first “special meals” within 5–10 days. Please note, incomplete forms will delay this process.

English Form

Spanish Form

Unfortunately, we cannot provide special dietary accommodations for religious or preference reasons (i.e. veganism). However, most menus include a daily vegetarian entrée option. These options are indicated with a “(V)” on the menu. Any items containing pork ingredients are also indicated on our menus as “Contains Pork”.

Continuing special diet accommodations for students returning each school year:

Parents/guardians must notify us each school year if their child(ren) will be needing special meal accommodations. The sooner this communication, the sooner special meals can be coordinated for the student(s). Due to the high volume of notifications at the beginning of each school year, we recommend notifying us at least 2–3 weeks prior to the start of school. Notification must include the following:

• Student First/Last Name
• Student ID #
• School Site they are attending for the new school year
• Confirmation that there are no changes to their dietary needs from prior year

Please note: A new Diet Modification Form does not need to be completed annually, unless there is an update to the student’s medical needs/restrictions. If, for example, a student was only allergic to egg products last year, but this year they are allergic to egg and dairy products, a new form would need to be completed/signed by a recognized medical authority before special dietary accommodations can be continued.

For any questions about this process or the form, please contact the dietitian, Brielle (Bristy) Zimmerman, at 775-325-8438 or brielle.zimmerman@washoeschools.net

Allergen Disclaimer:
Washoe County School District makes every attempt to identify ingredients that may cause allergic reactions for those with food allergies. In addition to staff training, the Nutrition Services Department makes every effort to source products that are both peanut- and tree nut-free. However, there is always a risk of contact. There is also a possibility that manufacturers of the commercial foods we use could change the formulation or substitute at any time, without notice. Customers concerned with food allergies need to be aware of this risk. The Washoe County School District Nutrition Services Department will not assume any liability for adverse reactions to foods consumed or encountered by students while eating at school.