Meal Modification Requirements

Littleton Public Schools is an allergy-aware, not allergy-free, environment. This means we work closely with staff, families, and students to support those with food allergies. While we strive to offer a diverse menu regarding all menus, limitations exist that may restrict choices for those with specific dietary needs. Families and students are encouraged to review these considerations before requesting a modified meal plan. Please follow the steps below to begin the process.

1. Accommodations for dietary restrictions require an approved Medical Statement for Meal Modification form to be completed annually. 

   1. This form must be signed by a licensed medical authority (MD, DO, APN with prescription authority, or PA).

   2. All sections of the form must be fully completed to initiate any meal modification.

2. Please submit the completed form to Persefone Pappas: ppappas[at]lps.k12.co[dot]us

3. Nutrition Services will review the Medical Statement for Meal Modification form to determine the best approach to accommodate the dietary restriction.

4. Parents or guardians will be contacted within 7 business days of receiving the request.

5. If needed, a written menu plan will be developed and kept on file with Nutrition Services.

   1. The menu plan will be shared with the kitchen manager and family, with Nutrition Services facilitating communication between the kitchen team and family.

   2. The kitchen manager will work with the student and family to implement the menu plan, aiming to accommodate the dietary needs with minimal impact on the student's mealtime experience.

  Additional Considerations

1. Littleton Public Schools Nutrition Services is committed to safe food handling to avoid cross-contact with allergens.

   1. At the elementary level, we do not serve foods containing peanuts or tree nuts as ingredients.

   2. At the secondary level, any items with peanuts or tree nuts are clearly labeled and pre-packaged to prevent cross-contact.

2. Our interactive online menus allow filtering by the top 9 allergens, making it easy for families to identify safe options. LPS School Menus also includes:

   1. Menu item descriptions

   2. Nutrition label information

   3. Dietary restrictions, including allergens

   4. Full nutrition data: carbohydrates, calories, and fat

3. Our a la carte allergen guides identify the top 9 allergens and potential cross-contact areas in manufacturing. 

4. Our Nutrition Services central office is available to help parents identify foods that may contain allergens in advance. Please contact the Nutrition Services Assistant Director, Persefone Pappas, at ppappas[at]lps.k12.co[dot]us or 303-347-3357 to discuss options.

5. Please be aware that while we strive to provide accurate allergen information, the district cannot guarantee allergen-free products due to manufacturing practices. Many of our manufacturers do not use precautionary labeling, as it is voluntary. However, manufacturers must follow FDA Good Manufacturing Practices to reduce cross-contact risks.

6. All allergen and nutritional information is based on the most current data provided by manufacturers but may change without notice. The district cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information, and Nutrition Services is not liable for any adverse events due to its use. Changes to menu items and brands can occur without notice; we advise verifying specific menu items with the kitchen manager if you have concerns.

For further information on food allergens, please contact Persefone Pappas at ppappas[at]lps.k12.co[dot]us or 303-347-3357.

Did you know that the Nutrition Service department is self-funded? This means that the money the department earns from selling food items to students, families and staff, as well as federal and state government funding, must cover the cost of food, salary & benefits for approximately 75 employees, equipment and other operational expenses.  

Nutrition Services offers daily a la carte options at all grade levels. These options will meet the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Smart Snack regulations and are compliant with the district's wellness guidelines. Snacks will be provided in small portions and are formulated to be reduced in fat, sugar and sodium. Examples of options include granola bars, whole grain cookies, baked chips, 100% sparkling juice, popcorn, reduced-sugar fruit snacks and ice cream. Click on the links below for nutrition and allergen information.

A-La-Carte Offerings Parent Letter

Beverage Nutrition Information

Beverage Allergen Information

Smart Snack Fact Sheet

Snack Nutrition Information

Snack Allergen Information

Families will still be able to regulate which items their student is allowed to purchase by filling out the Student Account Lunch Note form that is available below, from the kitchen manager, by contacting Nutrition Services, or at each schools’ back to school night. Students, parents and staff will not be allowed to purchase a la carte items when their account does not have adequate funds to cover the cost of the item.

These daily a la carte offerings help the department cover operational costs, including remaining competitive in the job market and the ability to offer our employees wage increases aligned with the district. Our goal is to continue to offer the best variety of healthy meals to our students daily ensuring that 100% of our students are successful. Your household can choose to opt-out of your student from participating in a la carte purchases bu completing a lunch note request form and returning it to the kitchen manager.

Lunch Note Request Form

Staff that are interested in purchasing meals or a la carte items are encourage to create an online account. You can request an account be created here.