The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) helps assure that eligible populations have access to nutritious meals during the summer months. When school is not in session, SFSP provides reimbursement to community agencies offering the required continuum of meals. Eligible participants include: children 0 through 18 years of age whose family incomes are less than or equal to 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines; and to income-eligible adults over 18 years of age who have been determined by a state educational agency to have a disability and who participate in a school-based program for the disabled during the school year. SFSP contracts with schools and other community-based organizations to sponsor the local programs and provide meals that meet established guidelines. By increasing the nutrient intake of program participants, SFSP reduces their risk for health problems and enhances their learning capacities. The program also improves the quality of the summer programs offered in areas of economic need.
The SFSP is administered by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
2026 Reimbursement Rates
| Meal | Rural or self-prep sites | All other types of sites |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | 3.1975 | 3.1375 |
| Lunch or Supper | 5.6000 | 5.5100 |
| Snack | 1.3250 | 1.2950 |
Deadlines for Original and Revised Claims
| May Claim | June Claim | July Claim | August Claim |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 30 | August 29 | September 29 | October 30 |
There are Quick Reference Guides available to assist you in using the CNPWeb.
General Information
Training
NOTICE: per Federal Acquisition Regulation: Inflation Adjustment of Acquisition-Related Thresholds, effective October 1, 2025: For Federal grant purchases, the micro-purchase threshold is now $15,000, an increase from $10,000.
For Federal grant purchases, the simplified acquisition threshold is now $350,000, an increase from $250,000.
This information will be updated as soon as possible.
DHSS-CFNA is offering online training options for returning 2026 SFSP sponsors. Before their 2026 application is approved, they must complete all 4 SFSP Training Modules below.
NOTICE: The SFSP Online Recorded Modules have been converted into YouTube videos. Please disregard the instructions on navigating the training. There will be no certificate available at the end of the training, as the video states. However, below each video is a link to record your completion of this training.
Summer Food Service Program Online Training
The SFSP online training consists of four modules. Each individual module must be completed in a single session. You may complete one module and return to complete other modules.
All four modules must be completed before program operations to meet the annual training requirement for sponsors participating in the SFSP. It is recommended to complete the modules in order. Each module has a different focus. Please download or print the Summer Food Service Program Manual under the Manuals heading above. You may also request a printed copy of the manual by emailing SFSP@health.mo.gov. Camps, Conditional Non-Congregate Sites, and Closed Enrolled Sites will also need to download, print, or request a copy of the SFSP Income Eligibility Guidance Manual.
Be sure to use the link below each YouTube video to record your completion of the training modules.
- Module 1: Introduction to the Program, General Operation Guidelines, Sponsor and Site Eligibility (36 minutes)
- Module 2: Sponsor and Site Applications, Procurement, Training Requirements, Civil Rights Requirements. (56 minutes)
- Module 3: Meal Service Requirements, Meal Pattern Requirements, Processed Food Documentation, Offer Versus Serve Meal Planning (36 minutes)
- Module 4: Recordkeeping, Program Costs, Sanitation, Program Monitoring (38 minutes)
To become a SFSP sponsor follow the instructions in the application packet under Forms.
PUBLIC NOTICE
The Department of Health and Senior Services, Bureau of Community Food and Nutrition Assistance is requesting that the USDA approve the State requested waiver to allow the summer meal sponsors that operate outdoor meal service at sites without a temperature-controlled alternative to provide a non-congregate meal service on days when the area experiences excessive heat – with state approval per excessive heat day. This waiver is requested to be effective for SFSP program year 2026; May 15, 2026 through September 30, 2026. If approved, an email will be sent to all SFSP sponsors notifying them of the approval.
For more information regarding requested waivers, please email the Summer Food Service Program at SFSP@health.mo.gov.
PUBLIC NOTICE
The Department of Health and Senior Services, Bureau of Community Food and Nutrition Assistance is requesting that USDA approve the state requested waiver to allow participating SFSP sponsoring organizations the option to serve meals during the current school year in a non-congregate setting for up to 10 days during unanticipated school closures with no virtual learning in place. The school closure must be related to natural disasters, unscheduled major building repairs, court orders relating to school safety or other issues, labor-management disputes, or, when approved by CFNA, similar unanticipated causes. The non-congregate meals can only be claimed if served with prior written approval before implementation.
For more information regarding this requested waiver, email the Summer Food Service Program at SFSP@health.mo.gov.
PUBLIC NOTICE
The Department of Health and Senior Services, Bureau of Community Food and Nutrition Assistance is requesting that the USDA approve the State requested waiver to postpone the enacting of the Coordinated Services Plan between the Department of Social Services, Summer EBT and the Department of Health and Senior Services, Summer Food Service Program. This waiver is requested to be effective upon approval and expire on December 31, 2025.
For more information regarding requested waivers, please email the Summer Food Service Program at SFSP@health.mo.gov.