SECTION 379.502. Preparing, Providing, and Serving Food to Residents

A center must:

(1) ensure food preparation, including storage of food, serving of food, and dining areas, is adequate and safe;

(2) develop, maintain, and comply with written policies and procedures to ensure residents are provided with at least three well-balanced meals or ingredients for well-balanced meals and an additional two snacks a day for children;

(3) develop, maintain, and comply with written policies and procedures that provide for alternative access to food and food preparation when the center's kitchen is closed;

(4) develop, maintain, and comply with written policies and procedures that provide for alternative access to essential food and food preparation when the center's kitchen is inoperable;

(5) make reasonable, Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant dietary accommodations for residents who require special medical diets, including those with food allergies;

(6) not require residents to use Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits (formerly known as food stamps) to purchase shelter meals;

(7) when providing meals or food items, consider the diverse needs of the population of the center's service area; and

(8) make reasonable accommodations for the center and residents regarding personal food items.

Source Note: The provisions of this §379.502 adopted to be effective December 23, 2007, 32 TexReg 9328; amended to be effective September 1, 2010, 35 TexReg 7727; amended to be effective September 1, 2013, 38 TexReg 4309