Saint Louis Public Schools (SLPS) continues to operate the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) Program under the United States Department of Agriculture Department (USDA) and Missouri Department of Elementary, and Secondary Education (DESE).  The intent of the CEP Program is to improve access to free school meals in eligible high poverty Learning Education Agency (LEA) and schools and to eliminate the collection of family applications. Through the CEP Program, St. Louis Public Schools provides all SLPS students the opportunity to receive a free breakfast and lunch meal as well as an afterschool snack.

The Food and Nutrition Services Department (FNS) along with Southwest Food Service Excellence will continue to promote and support the St. Louis Public Schools’ (SLPS) students with healthy and wholesome meals. The FNS Department believes in providing appealing meals made with fresh and locally grown produce.

To ensure all students start their day with a healthy meal the District implemented new alternative breakfast programs: Breakfast in the Classroom (BIC), Grab ‘n’ Go Carts and the Second Chance Programs. These programs provide students more opportunities to access free meals during the day.  The BIC is offered in all elementary schools. The Grab ‘n’ Go Carts and the Second Chance Program have been added to all elementary, middle and high schools.

SLPS has included the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) operated by the Missouri Department Health and Senior Services (MDHSS). The CACFP features an Afterschool Program, which enables any student to eat a free snack and/or supper. Also under this same program is the Summer Feeding Program. The Summer Feeding Program is offered when the students are on summer break.   

The FNS Department administers the following Child Nutrition Programs under the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010:

• School Breakfast Program (SBP)
• National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
• Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)
• Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP)
• Afterschool Snack Program (ASP)
• Smart Snacks/Fundraisers
• Summer Feeding Program
• Afterschool Supper Program

 The St. Louis Public Schools Food and Nutrition Services Department also offers the Summer Feeding Program through the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services when the students are out of school for the summer.

  Click update  for an update on Food and Nutrition Services. 

 For more information about the Food and Nutrition Services Department, please contact (314) 345-4519 or (314) 345-2308. For additional information pertaining to healthy eating, monthly menus and promotions.