FCPS lunch- are dietary restrictions honored?

[Anonymous]

We'll be new to FCPS starting in the fall. My kids currently eat the school's lunch, but do not drink the cow's milk. They drink water instead. I'm curious if FAifax County could actually accommodate the kids' milk intolerance and provide lactose free milk or almond milk. Of course, I don't expect this, but wondering if it is possible. Does anyone have any experience with this? Also, if they can't accommodate what are the other options? The kids are tired of water. Of course, I'm prepared to pay extra if need be. Thanks for any thoughts.

[Anonymous]

Pretty sure the only milk alternative in FCPS elementary schools is water.

[Anonymous]

Also, you can send an alternate beverage in with your child. My child never drinks the milk (because he doesn't like milk) and always brings his own water bottle.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Pretty sure the only milk alternative in FCPS elementary schools is water.

Agree. I see nothing on the lunch menus available online (nutrislice) about alternatives other than water. And it still burns me that water can not be substituted for milk- water is consumed a separate purchase! See more on that here:

http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/610177.page

[Anonymous]

Our elementary school has soy milk.

[Anonymous]

Why can't you buy those tiny lunch boxes and pack an appropriate beverage for them?

[Anonymous]

What about juice? Do they provide juice as an option?

[Anonymous]

The cafeteria staff thinks that all dietary restrictions are indulgences, and they don't acknowledge ethical, medical, or religious limitations really do exist.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The cafeteria staff thinks that all dietary restrictions are indulgences, and they don't acknowledge ethical, medical, or religious limitations really do exist.

This is BS. We have a student that is gluten-free at our school. The cafeteria manager has met with the family, and they get a menu that shows which items are appropriate.

[Anonymous]

Our FCPS elementary school has juice as an option to buy. I don't know if it is every day but it is extra. Bottled water is also extra. DS doesn't buy often but when he does he will often buy the other drinks and I see them show up as extras. I know they have a few types because he talks about them, although one may be a yogurt drink so that won't work for you.

[Anonymous]

School lunches are not that nutritious. I'm more worried about that. You can always send in a beverage of choice.

[Anonymous]

One of mine doesn't drink milk and yes, when she buys, she buys water and pays extra. My kids report there's only milk (chocolate and regular) and water. Your kids could bring their own beverages.

[Anonymous]

If you want something they don't have, you are going to have to pack lunches or just drinks. They aren't going to special order anything for you.

If they allergic to dairy they might have a limited food selection some days anyway.

[Anonymous]

FWIW, I'm pretty sure they try to accommodate the kids, but, please be reasonable. Can you imagine having twenty guests in your house who all have different needs and requirements? Imagine this, you have to get them through the buffet in scant minutes in order that they may consume your feast within fifteen or twenty minutes.

So, we have gluten-free, sugar-free, egg free, peanut free, nut free, lactose free, additive free, fat-free, vegan, vegeterian requirements and more. Now, go prepare your nutritious meal(s) for twenty people. Then, stop and think of preparing this for hundreds of people with a small staff and limited funds.

Be considerate. Send the kid's lunch.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The cafeteria staff thinks that all dietary restrictions are indulgences, and they don't acknowledge ethical, medical, or religious limitations really do exist.

This is BS. We have a student that is gluten-free at our school. The cafeteria manager has met with the family, and they get a menu that shows which items are appropriate.

Its on the website too, which is helpful for planning. However a gluten free child would be offered a cheese salad, vegetables and fruit every day almost. They rarely offer a main course that is gluten free - nachos and plain rice some days. Which is fine for typical kids who can bring their lunch instead, but a kid who needs free lunch is going to have to rely on this.