The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) nondiscrimination regulation (7 CFR 15​b) applies to any site participating in a federally-funded meal program, including the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), Special Milk Program (SMP), Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), and Summer Food Service Program (SFSP).

If a requested substitution meets the meal pattern requirements under any child nutrition program, the substitution can be made, but is not required.​