Food Allergies And Special Dietary Needs

Accommodations for Children with Allergies & Special Dietary Needs

A food allergy is caused when the body’s immune system mistakes an ingredient in food – usually a protein – as harmful and creates a defense system (special compounds called antibodies) to fight it. An allergic reaction occurs when the antibodies are battling an "invading" food protein. Although a person could have an allergy to almost any food, the following foods account for almost 90 percent of all food-related allergic reactions:

  • Milk
  • Eggs
  • Peanuts
  • Tree nuts (such as cashews and walnuts)
  • Fish
  • Shellfish
  • Soy
  • Wheat

The Liverpool food service program will work with you to make reasonable accommodations, which adhere to the guidelines set forth by the USDA and the National School Lunch Program. Before accommodations can be made, you must submit a medical statement from your child’s doctor to your school nurse. Each special dietary request must be supported by a statement, which explains the food substitution that is requested. A recognized medical authority must sign it.

The medical statement must include:

  • An identification of the medical or special dietary condition which restricts the child's diet.
  • The food or foods to be omitted from the child's diet.
  • The food or foods to be substituted.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss the alternative foods available for your child’s special dietary needs, please contact:  

Food Service Department Phone: 315-453-0274

LCSD  Food Allergy and Nutrition Information Disclaimer

Information concerning nutritional values and product ingredients (including, but not limited to, carbohydrate amounts and food allergens), is obtained solely from the vendor or manufacturer of the specific product. Liverpool Central School District (LCSD) does not warrant nor guarantee the information provided by the vendor or manufacturer and expressly disclaims any liability arising from the provided information. LCSD offers this information solely as a courtesy, and makes no representation concerning its accuracy. The allergen listing posted on any food item does not guarantee that the external manufacturer, producer, or handler of the food product has maintained an allergen-free environment.  Please be aware that there are factors that may affect a product’s actual nutritional value and/or ingredient composition at any given time.

  • Manufacturers’ formulations may change without notice.
  • USDA donated products may become available at any time during the year and may replace a purchased item.
  • Product brands may change during the year as new bids are approved.
  • Schools may be using inventory from a previous bid or manufacturer.
  • Recipes may change during the school year.
  • Liverpool Central School District makes a consistent effort to keep abreast of food allergy and nutrition information changes. Food allergen lists are updated and sent to kitchen and food service staff as well as nurses throughout the school year.