We are introducing a new procedure surrounding how schools handle special dietary accommodations within the Kiona-Benton City School District.

At the beginning of every school year, we will notify families that special dietary accommodations are available for students who have special dietary needs due to allergies, health issues or other reasons.

Families can access the official Request for Special Dietary Accommodations form at Kiona-Benton City School District (kibesd.org) or reach out to their student’s school to receive a copy. It should be noted that when a family requests a copy of the official form, the school nurse will also be notified. This is because any reports of a child with a food allergy or other impairment that affects their diet MUST be reported to the school nurse. Alternatively, if the school nurse is informed of a child needing a special dietary accommodation or if a family fills out a Health History Form that notes a food allergy or other impairment that affects a student’s diet, the family will be informed that they need to fill out a Request for Special Dietary Accommodations form in order for that need to be met.

When a family submits a completed Request for Special Dietary Accommodations form, which needs to include a signature from a recognized medical authority, the child’s dietary needs will be accommodated IMMEDIATELY. Kitchen staff, including cashiers, will be informed of the new accommodation and either introduced to the child or given a copy of the child’s picture. The special dietary accommodation will also be entered into Mealtime by office personnel. All Request for Special Dietary Accommodations forms will be kept in a confidential folder in the school nurse’s office, the food service office and with the food service cashiers.

If a family does not return the form, the school will NOT accommodate the special dietary need.

If a family returns an incomplete form, the family will be notified that more information is needed and given 60 days to return a complete form. The child’s special dietary need will be accommodated during that 60-day time period. If the completed form is not returned after 60 days, the family will be notified that the child’s dietary needs will not be accommodated until a completed form is received by the school.

Sincerely,

Jenny Swiger
Food Service Director
Kiona-Benton City School District