The Special Nutritional Programs (SNP) provide reimbursement for well-balanced, nutritious meals served to individuals enrolled in Child Care Food Programs (CACFP), National School Lunch Program (NSLP), Special Milk Program (SMP), and the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). In Arkansas these programs are administered by the Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education, and Special Nutrition Programs.
If you are interested in applying for the USDA Food Programs, please click on the button below.
For existing providers who wish to submit, amend, or review program information and submit claims, please click on the button below.
Child and Adult Care Food Program
Benefits of the program
For children: When a child care center participates in this program the children will get free meals and snacks that meet federal guidelines for nutrition, to help them learn, play, and grow.
For parents: When a child care center participates in the program the center will be reimbursed for a portion of the food served. This will allow the center to free up funds that can be used elsewhere for building a quality program.
To participate in this program, talk with your school or child care center.
At Risk Program
Benefits of the program
For children: When school is out and parents are still at work, children need a safe place to be with their friends, with structured activities, and supportive adults. Afterschool programs that serve meals or snacks draw children and teenagers into constructive activities that are safe, fun, and filled with opportunities for learning. The meals and snacks meet the federal guidelines for nutrition they need to learn, play, and grow.
For parents: Parents can rest easy knowing that their children are at a safe place with supervision and an educational or enrichment program designed for the appropriate age of their child.
Some of these programs are run by school districts while others are run by non-profit organizations. To find a program near you, you may call 501 682-8869.
Summer Feeding Service Program
An estimated 200,000 children in Arkansas are at risk of hunger and not getting the food they need to lead healthy, active lives during the summer months when school is out.
Benefits of the program
For children: Provides free, nutritious meals and snacks which meet federal guidelines for nutrition to help children as they learn, play, and grow throughout the summer months, when school is not in session.
For parents: Parents whose kids get approved meals at free or reduced prices during the school year can insure their children get those same meals and/or snacks free during the summer at a supervised, state-approved site.
How to find a SFSP program near you program.
Are you a parent or guardian looking for SFSP sites near you? Find a summer site in your community with our Summer Meal Site Finder mapping tool. You can also text “Summer Meals” to 97779 or call 1-866-348-6479 to find a site near you.
- Waiver request: Summer Food Service Programs
- Spanish: Buscar sitios para Comidas de Verano (arcgis.com)
National School Lunch Program
Note: DHS only approves and monitors private school, residential Child care institutions, state juvenile treatment centers, and juvenile detention centers. All public schools are approved and monitored through the Arkansas Department of Education.
For children: When a private school participates in this program the children will get meals and snacks that meet federal guidelines for nutrition, to help them learn, play, and grow.
For parents: When a private school participates in this program the school will be reimbursed for a portion of the food served. This will allow the school to free up funds that can be used elsewhere for building a quality program.
To participate in this program, please talk with officials at your child’s school.
