Allergen Awareness
We want to ensure that your child receives the best care possible at school. We take allergies, food safety, and student health very seriously. We cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment, but when we work together to create a management plan for your child, they are less likely to be exposed to allergens in school.
Please refer to NYCPS Allergies and the Allergy Aware Policy section for more information on how schools can manage student allergies.
Menu Nutrition Information & Statement
View a detailed breakdown of the Menu Nutritional Information for every item offered through our schools.
OFNS Menu Nutrition Information Statement
The Office of Food and Nutrition Services (OFNS) is committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of every student. While we are unable to guarantee an allergen-free environment, we are committed to supporting students and families in making smart meal choices. Our Menu Nutrition Information provides nutritional information, highlighting carbohydrates and includes the nine common allergens.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) identifies nine major food allergens: egg, fish, milk, sesame, shellfish, soy, tree nuts, wheat, and peanuts. OFNS identifies these common allergens in our standardized recipes and basic food items. If a student has an allergy outside of these common allergens, or if you need detailed ingredient information for a specific product or standardized recipe, please contact us at food@schools.nyc.gov.
Our nutrition and allergen information is based on OFNS standardized recipes, USDA Food Data Central, and manufacturer-provided ingredient labels. However, variations may occur due to multiple brands, USDA vendor sources, recipe revisions, and manufacturer reformulations. Additionally, substitutions may be made based on product availability.
Due to the handcrafted nature of our meals, shared preparation spaces, and common equipment, there is always a risk of cross-contact. As such, we cannot guarantee that any item is completely free of allergens.
Please note: the nutrition and allergen information provided is intended for general reference only and not for medical use. If a student has a specific dietary need or requires a menu accommodation, please contact us at OFNSMenuAccommodations@schools.nyc.gov.
Milk Options & Alternatives
Under the National School Lunch and School Breakfast programs, milk is required to be available to students as part of their meal. We provide low fat milk, non-fat milk, and non-fat chocolate milk. Schools that do not wish to serve chocolate milk as an option should make the request through their OFNS Manager.
Lactose-free milk and soy milk alternatives are available to students, both of which meet USDA nutrition standards for fluid milk. Parents may request an alternative milk option by completing the Alternative Milk Request Form and submitting it to their child's school principal or school administration. Once the completed form is received and reviewed, the school will coordinate with their OFNS Manager to ensure the appropriate alternative milk is provided to the student during meal service. Translated versions of the Alternative Milk Request Form are available if needed.
Food Allergen Information Product Labels
All food items can be supported with product documentation from vendors and/or manufacturers regarding allergens present within the food itself or at the facility level.
Product/nutrition labels are available upon request. Parents can request labels and further information about our menu items. Please provide a specific item list when requesting allergen information product documentation.
Allergen Accommodations at the Point of Service
If a request is made at the point of service by a student or para-professional/teacher/school nurse (on student's behalf), it will be honored by OFNS staff within reason.
- Example: No cheese on fish sandwich or no bun with burger
OFNS staff are not responsiblefor tracking or monitoring students with food sensitivities and allergies.
Dietary Medical Accommodations
For severe allergies,an action plan and menu may be required to accommodate dietary needs. This request will be supported through a Medical Accommodations (504) Request Form or Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Parent/guardian should provide all necessary documentation to the school for the accommodation.
School Administration can email requests to OFNSMealAccomodations@schools.nyc.gov with supporting documentation. For a 504 Accommodation, please include the 504 Coordinator, Principal, School Nurse, and School Food Service Manager. A Teams meeting will be scheduled to discuss the action plan and parameters of the dietary accommodation.