USDA Approved Meals Recipe and Menu Services

The Missouri Department of Social Services, Division of Youth Services is requesting bids for USDA Approved Meals Recipe and Menu Services under a non-exclusive Blanket Purchase Agreement, with bids due June 29, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Central Time.

The contractor shall develop and provide a comprehensive twelve-week rotating schedule of USDA school program-compliant breakfast and lunch recipes and menus for all Department youth facilities. Deliverables include detailed recipes with nutritional analysis worksheets, weekly menu templates with daily and weekly nutritional breakdowns, alternative recipes accommodating food allergies and dietary restrictions, special holiday menus (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter), portable alternative meals for off-campus outings, promotional nutritional posters, and manufacturer product labels for all menu items sourced from the statewide contracted vendor US Foods, Inc. All recipes and menus must comply with current USDA standards including the April 2024 USDA Final Rule, the 2026 Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act regulations, and anticipated Fall 2027 sodium reduction mandates.

The initial contract period runs from award through August 31, 2027, with three optional one-year renewal periods. The contractor must submit a firm, fixed price for all services, personnel, materials, supplies, administration, overhead, and travel on Exhibit A.

Bids will be evaluated on cost (100 points) and technical merit (100 points), with technical evaluation components including proposed methodology and approach (60 points), team qualifications (20 points), and past performance (20 points). Vendors may receive bonus points for participation by Organizations for the Blind or Sheltered Workshops (5–15 points) and Service-Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (3 points). Contracts are awarded to the lowest and best responsive bid. Payment terms are Net 45, FOB. All vendors must register with MissouriBUYS, achieve "Approved" and "Spend Authorized" status, and comply with work authorization verification, debarment certifications, and Missouri Secretary of State registration prior to award. Contact Steven Hoffman at 573-522-3318 or Steven.Hoffman@dss.mo.gov.