Dear Parent or Guardian:

We are pleased to inform you that the Buffalo City School District will be implementing a meal certification option available to schools participating in the National School Lunch and/or School Breakfast Programs for 2025-2026 School Year.

 What does this mean for your child(ren) attending the school(s) identified above?

 All students enrolled in Buffalo Public School/Charter School/Non-Public School participating in the Child Nutrition Program are eligible to receive a healthy breakfast and/or lunch at school at no charge to your household each day of the 2025-2026 School Year. No further action is required of you. Your child(ren) will be able to participate in these meal programs without having to pay a fee or submit an application.

 If you have any further questions, please contact the Food Service Department at 716-816-3688.

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

 Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

 To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632- 9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD- 3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or email: Program.Intake@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

MEAL ACCOMODATION POLICY

 This policy outlines The Buffalo Schools Food Service Department commitment to accommodating students' religious and personal dietary needs while upholding meal program regulations and fostering an inclusive school environment.

 1. Religious accommodation

• Diverse religious beliefs of students are recognized and respected.

• Students may be excused from consuming specific foods due to religious restrictions. A reimbursable meal must be provided.

• Written requests for religious meal accommodation should be submitted by parents/guardians to the school principal, specifying the requested accommodation and its rationale. These requests should be provided for the school food service staff to ensure adequate meal preparation.

• Reasonable efforts will be made to provide options that are compliant with a student’s respective religious beliefs, such as offering Halal or other alternatives that align with their faith; vegetarian, or a plant-based entrée, when meat is served, etc.

 2. Personal meal accommodations

• Some students may have dietary needs that are not due to religious restrictions or disabilities.

• BPS Food Service will strive to offer a variety of food choices to cater to diverse preferences and dietary needs.

• Students and parents/guardians are encouraged to communicate any personal dietary preferences or restrictions to the school food service kitchen leader/ manager.

• Reasonable efforts will be made to offer options that meet these needs within the existing meal program, such as offering versus serve, where students can decline certain food components or items due to personal preferences.

• Any substitutions made for personal preferences must meet USDA Child Nutrition Program meal pattern requirements. 

 3. General provisions

• Meal accommodation will not infringe on the religious beliefs or practices of other students.

• Confidentiality regarding students’ dietary information and requests shall be maintained.

• Training will be provided to school food service staff on accommodating diverse dietary needs and promoting an inclusive cafeteria environment.

To:                  Parent and Guardians

 From:             Ruth Conner, Food Service Director          

Date:               August 4, 2025          

Subject:          Food Allergy 

 Food allergies are a very serious issue for children and their families. The USDA Child Nutrition Program recognizes the importance of following medical directives for food allergies.

 Meal modifications are implemented based upon medical assessment and treatment planning and must be ordered by a recognized medical authority. Schools cannot make food substitutions or alter the student’s diet without proper documentation from the healthcare provider.

 An annual medical script is required for each child describing their allergy and diet recommendations. A recognized medical professional signature is required on this document (this documentation is required each year).

 SUBMIT THIS MEDICAL DOCUMENTATION to your child’s school administrator, nurse, or food service staff during the first week of school, or throughout the school year when changes may occur. If you have any questions, please contact the Child Nutrition Services at 716-816-3688. We want to collaborate with you to ensure your child is safe and has a mealtime plan that everyone will be happy with. 

Thank you.