Food Service Management Companies
A food service management company (FSMC) is a commercial enterprise or a non-profit organization that is or may be contracted with by a school district to manage any aspect of the school food service. The procurement of a contract with an FSMC can be a time-intensive process for child nutrition directors, superintendents, district purchasing officials, and the district's legal counsel. There are resources available to assist in this process.
Registered Food Services Management Companies
Aramark Elior Chartwells SchoolEats J&F Food Service K-12 Culinary Connection OPAA! Sodexo Southwest Foodservice Excellence Taher Tiger Commissary Services SLA Management The Cockpit Catering CompanyDESE Resources:
- Contracting with a Food Service Management Company in SY 25-26
- Managing Food Service Management Company Contracts in Child Nutrition Programs – Rules, Regulations, and Allowable Costs, August 2023
- Meal Equivalency Rates for the 2024-2025 School Year
- Meal Calculator
- USDA Donated Foods Calculator
- Questions and Answers Pertaining to Food Service Management Company (FSMC) Contracts
- FSMC Registered Companies 2025-2026 School Year
- RFPs for SY 2024-2025
USDA Resources and Memos:
- Contracting with Food Service Management Companies: Guidance for School Food Authorities
- Contracting with Food Service Management Companies: Guidance for State Agencies
- FD-080: Guidance in Crediting for, and Use of, Donated Foods in Contracts with Food Service Management Companies
- SP-05-2011: Further Guidance in Crediting for, and Use of, Donated Foods in Contracts with Food Service Management Companies
- SP-23-2013: Guidance Reaffirming the Requirement that SFAs Periodically review Food Service Management Company Cost Reimbursable Contracts and Contracts associated with USDA Foods
- SP-13-2023: Best Practices for Contracting with Food Service Management Companies
For more information, please contact:
Nancy Dill, MS, RD, SNS
Arkansas Department of Education
Division of Elementary and Secondary Education
Child Nutrition Unit
4 Capitol Mall, Box 12
Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: 501-324-9502
Email: nancy.dill@ade.arkansas.gov