Have you been affected by the government shutdown?
Parents are encouraged to file a Food Service Application anytime a income changes or other challenges occur, affecting their child's meal status.
Please contact one of our offices for an application or go online: Food Service Application
CHS: 660-463-2246
CES: 660-463-2261
Information received from DESE Food and Nutrition Services (Oct. 24):
Federal Shutdown Impacts
As you may know, the federal government activated a shutdown on October 1 (start of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026). The government will open when the annual appropriation bills pass or a continuing resolution goes into effect.
How does the government shutdown impact the National School Lunch Program?
- Child Nutrition Programs like SNAP are facing funding uncertainty. Missouri will no longer be approving new applications for SNAP benefits in November. More information can be found Missouri Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Many Federal employees are without income and may now qualify for free or reduced-price meals. The Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application must always be available for households to apply at any time! Income changes, furlough and other challenges may occur, and meal benefits help ensure the student has access to a meal. Our application can be found at: Food Service Application or from either school office.
- Food service programs including the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, USDA Foods, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable are expected to continue operating during this short-term shutdown. The future impact depends largely on how long the shutdown last.
- Reminder, schools should encourage families impacted by the shutdown to complete a meal application to apply for free or reduced-price meals.P
Thank you,
Karen Hemme
Food Service Director