USDA, through Arkansas DHS School Nutrition Programs
National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs (private schools)
Federal money for every breakfast and lunch a nonprofit private school serves, plus free or reduced-price meals for children whose families qualify. In Arkansas, private schools apply through DHS School Nutrition Programs, not ADE.
- Amount
- A federal payment for every qualifying breakfast and lunch you serve, every school day (not a one-time grant)
- Can a for-profit school apply?
- No: for-profit schools excluded
- Deadline
- Rolling
- Who this fits
- Private school · MicroschoolNonprofit private schools with an IRS 501(c)(3) letter and accreditation (or an ADE letter of recognition). For-profit schools can't take part.
- New schools
- Not stated for new schools
- Where
- Arkansas only
- Last checked
- Oct 2, 2026on snp.ade.arkansas.gov
Unconfirmed: check with the funder
We couldn’t confirm these on an official page. Treat them as open questions, not facts.
- This year's application dates: the Arkansas handbook we found is the 2016-17 edition (revised January 2017). Confirm current dates and forms with DHS.
How to apply
- Step 1: Confirm your school has its own IRS 501(c)(3) letter and current accreditation (or an ADE letter of recognition)
- Step 2: Call DHS School Nutrition Programs at 501-682-8869 for the application forms
- Step 3: Adopt the required policies (free and reduced-price meals, meal counting, civil rights)
- Step 4: Ask for the on-site review before you file your first claim
- Step 5: Renew every year
Funders change their requirements. Check the official page before you apply. Getting ready? See what funders usually ask for.
Who can apply
“Generally, public or nonprofit private schools of high school grade or under and public or nonprofit private residential child care institutions may participate in the school lunch program.”
Arkansas's School Nutrition Programs handbook says private schools apply with the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS), not ADE; must have current 501(c)(3) status shown by “a 501 (c) (3) letter from the IRS”; and must send a current accreditation certificate or an ADE letter of recognition (“not all private schools are eligible to participate”). It also says religious organizations take part on the same basis as other nonprofits. A church school without its own IRS letter should ask DHS whether the church's status is accepted. Ask your CPA which entity should apply.
- Nonprofit private school with an IRS 501(c)(3) letter
- Accredited (ANSAA or another approved accreditor) or recognized by ADE
- Serve meals that meet federal meal patterns and offer free and reduced-price meals to children who qualify
- Renew every year and attend the yearly training
Timing
Start any time by calling DHS. The handbook lists the yearly application update as due June 1 for the next school year, and DHS does an on-site review before your first claim, so start months ahead.