Section 413.80  Nutrition and Meals

a)         The host home shall provide at least three balanced meals per day in quantities sufficient to meet the recommended dietary allowances for nutritional needs of host home children. The time span between meals shall not be greater than 14 hours (overnight). No locks shall be placed on refrigerators.

b)         Food products from home-raised animals shall meet the standards of the Meat and Poultry Inspection Act [225 ILCS 650], Humane Slaughter of Livestock Act [510 ILCS 75], and 8 Ill. Adm. Code 50 (Humane Slaughter of Livestock).

c)         Licensees shall provide a special diet to a host home child when prescribed by a licensed physician or licensed dietitian nutritionist.

d)         The host home child's nutritional needs shall be considered in relationship to the health, age, religious beliefs, and cultural background of the host home child.

e)         Meals served to host home children shall be substantially the same as those served other family members unless a variation based on medical needs or religious beliefs is required.

f)         Meals shall be served in an unhurried manner, under clean and sanitary conditions.

g)         Host home children shall be encouraged to eat the food that is served, but shall not be subjected to coercion, restricting access to food, or forced feeding. Any medical needs, restrictions, or religious beliefs shall take priority over any encouraged foods served by the host home.

h)         Host home children may be allowed to assist in meal preparation under adult supervision.