Rule 5180:2-19-06 | Snack and meal requirements.
(A) What are the requirements for meals and snacks in a licensed school child program?
The program is to:
(1) Be in compliance with section 3717.41 of the Revised Code for food service operation, if applicable.
(2) Develop policies and procedures for providing meals to children who are in attendance at the school child program through the hours of eleven a.m. and one-thirty p.m., inclusively.
(3) Offer food to ensure that no child goes more than four hours without at least a meal.
(4) Offer food from the basic five food groups: protein, grains, fruits, vegetables and dairy.
(a) Breakfast consists of food from three of the five basic food groups.
(b) Meals consist of food from five of the basic food groups.
(c) Snacks consist of food from two of the five basic food groups.
(5) Offer food that is not a choking hazard, and that is developmentally appropriate in size, amount and texture.
(6) Offer milk based on parental preference.
(7) Follow the policies and obligations of the school district, county board of developmental disabilities, community school or eligible nonpublic school.
(8) Provide meals and snacks according to the posted current weekly menu, and spaced no more than four hours apart.
(a) The menus are to include all meals and snacks being served by the program with any substitutions noted at the time of the change.
(b) Menus will be posted in a conspicuous place where they can be reviewed by parents.
(9) Ensure both school child program staff members and children wash hands before food service.
(10) Provide for a child's special dietary needs as prescribed by the child's source of medical care or obligate the parent to provide the prescribed diet items that are not part of the program's menu plan.
(11) Keep in the child's record a list of the allergies suffered by the child in attendance of the program. All school child program staff members, including those in food service, will be informed of these allergies.
(12) Provide safe drinking water throughout hours of program. If drinking fountains are used, there is to be sufficient water pressure so that the child's mouth does not come in contact with the water dispensing mechanism. Individual water bottles are to be labeled with the child's name.
(13) Provide for the safe storage of all food.
(14) Not have screens (television, computer, etc.) on during meals and snacks.
(B) What are the requirements for parent provided meals and snacks?
Programs that allow or obligate parents to provide food for meals or snacks are to:
(1) Have provisions for safe storage of parent provided food.
(2) Ensure that no child goes more than four hours without a meal if a child does not bring food for the day.
Last updated July 1, 2026 at 8:45 AM
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