About

The Texas Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Division administers 12 federal child and special nutrition programs for the State of Texas. TDA supports providers of nutrition assistance by helping ensure accountability and the efficient use of taxpayer dollars to nourish Texans in need. These nutrition programs exemplify "eating right" for Texans of every age and background and help them build a bridge to success. Everyone plays a role in teaching children the 3E's of Healthy Living - Education, Exercise and Eating Right.

Guiding Principles

Vision: A Global Example of Excellence and Empowerment in Providing Nutrition Assistance

Mission: Feeding the Hungry and Promoting Healthy Lifestyles
Values: 

  • We are committed to accomplishing the educational goals and the efficient administration and operation of the Food & Nutrition Programs with the utmost professionalism.

 

  • We require accountability, customer service excellence and respect for each other in managing our programs and ourselves.

 

  • We will maintain trust, honesty, respect, integrity, loyalty and fairness within TDA and among the Food & Nutrition Program stakeholders.

 

  • We provide the proper delegation of authority to staff to perform the tasks and achieve the goals of the division.

 

  • We encourage staff creativity and innovative ideas that support the mission and vision. 
               
  • We promote cooperation and participation between all parties with a vested interest in developing a healthier lifestyle for Texas families.

 

  • We strive for a culture of open-mindedness and diversity.

        

  • We endeavor to move forward with a shared sense of purpose and to find win-win solutions to the challenges we face. We uphold faith and strong values in the work and family environment by promoting work/life balance

Management

Angela Olige, Assistant Commissioner for Food and Nutrition
Catherine Wright Steele, Administrator for Food and Nutrition
Gwendolyn McDade, Administrator for Food and Nutrition
Lena Wilson, Administrator for Food and Nutrition
Melissa Dozier Gonzales, Director of Program Support

Senta Fortune, Director for Community Operations

Jaclyn Cantu, Director for USDA Foods

John Tuley, Director for Program Improvement, Nutrition and Education

Alfreda Maddox, Director for Quality Assurance/Quality Control

Nicole Sierra-Notarianni, Director for School Operations

Michelle Connolly, Assistant Director for Program Support

Sarah Carlson, Assistant Director for School Operations
Beth Thorson, Assistant Director for Program Improvement, Nutrition, and Education
Wade Wilder, Director for Executive Operations

updated February 2020

Assistance available in English and Spanish. Please call 877-TEX-MEAL (877-839-6325) for help.

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

Mail:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.



Texas Department of Agriculture

Commissioner Sid Miller