Updated 9/14/2021 - TDA has updated its list of resources for SSO operators in 2021-2022 to include new verification letter templates to go along with the new media release templates, household letters for SSO operators processing applications, eligibility notification letters, and Direct Certification eligibility letters. Click here for more information.
September 10, 2021 - Promotional materials for National School Lunch Week were a big hit again this year! If you were unable to order the materials available for delivery, other no cost materials are available in the online toolkit.
September 6, 2021 - Beginning in September, the CACFP Insight, NSLP Newsletter, and Summer In the Loop will transition to a monthly distribution schedule.
September 1, 2021 - TDA is sad to say farewell to our Assistant Commissioner Angela Olige, but is pleased to introduce Lena Wilson at the Division’s new Assistant Commissioner.
August 31, 2021 - Resource for determining verification sample size and recording application count and direct verification results.
August 31, 2021 - USDA’s Team Nutrition’s initiative is pleased to announce the release of “Offering Meats and Meat Alternates at School Breakfast Grades Kindergarten Through 12 (K-12)”.
August 31, 2021 - Texas ELMS has a new modified individual search feature and upload process to "un-claim" more than 1 student at a time. TEA matches will be available after September 5th.
August 31, 2021 - The time to pledge for the NSLP October Farm Fresh Challenge is now! Click here to learn more and pledge your participation.
August 31, 2021 - The Census measures the scope, reach and overall impact of farm to school efforts across the nation.
August 31, 2021 - Are you looking for resources to strengthen your school district’s Local Wellness Policy (LWP)?
August 31, 2021 - School districts mandated to participate in the 2021 summer nutrition programs are required to submit the Summer Cost Report form through TX-UNPS unless a waiver was granted.
August 31, 2021 - TDA has posted the SY 2021-2022 USDA Foods Rate of Assistance.
August 31, 2021 - Please ensure that the master eligibility roster of students, including carryover eligibility if applicable, is completed within 30 operating days after the start of NSLP/SBP food service operation this SY.
August 31, 2021 - Please remember that all CEs must complete direct certification matches monthly, including those operating SSO or CEP. CEs can find more information about direct certification in ARM Section 4, Eligibility.
August 31, 2021 - Please ensure that the application packet for your Contracting Entity (CE) is either in an approved or submitted status and that the CE contact information in TX-UNPS is current.
August 31, 2021 - As a reminder, schools must distribute information about the availability of NSLP/SBP or SSO meals to the community at the beginning of the school year. Find more information here.
August 31, 2021 - Several revisions to the ARM were released. See the full list here.
August 31, 2021 - For information related to COVID-19 waiver flexibilities and Seamless Summer Option (SSO) operations during SY 2021-2022, please reference the latest COVID-19 guidance here.
August 31, 2021 - The School Nutrition Program (SNP) site applications must be submitted and approved as a prerequisite for SSO application processing.
August 31, 2021 - Click here to view resources from ICN and USDA's Team Nutrition!
August 31, 2021 - Register now to attend free, live, interactive training sessions for child nutrition professionals. These sessions feature individual lessons led by ICN's expert trainers on great back-to-school and child and adult care topics.
Updated August 20, 2021 - The new SSO rate (SFSP combined rate) is updated in TX-UNPS as of 8/20/21.
July 28, 2021 - The School Nutrition Program (SNP) site applications must be submitted and approved as a prerequisite for SSO application processing. SSO sites submitted for approval will be returned for correction if there are no SNP site applications in submitted and/or approved status.
July 28, 2021 - The webinar held on July 27 on this topic and the associated slides are now available. Click here to view them and other FSMC resources.
July 27, 2021 - Due to the impacts of COVID-19, the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) will not be taking “And Justice For All..." (AJFA) poster orders through TX-UNPS and will not be distributing posters to contracting entities (CE). Locally printed paper copies AJFA posters may substituted as necessary.
July 27, 2021 - Uploading Certification and Benefit Issuance and Documentation in TX-UNPS
July 23, 2021 - Now available on SquareMeals.org: Trainings and webinars on the Procurement Review Process and Procurement Basics. Visit the Procurement Review page located under Compliance on the National School Lunch Program menu for more information!
July 14, 2021 - DEADLINE OCTOBER 9, 2021
July 9, 2021 - TDA has been busy making it easier for CEs to learn about programs, including CACFP, NSLP/SBP, and SFSP. The new Quick References provide CEs an overview of the program, including how they can participate!
July 3, 2021 – Tyson Foods Inc., a Dexter, Mo. establishment, is recalling approximately 8,492,832 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) chicken products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes.
June 29, 2021 - Did you miss the Procurement Basics presentation given at TASN? Click here to visit the Procurement Review page where you can find a link to watch the video in the "When is My Review?" box!
May 12, 2021 - The internal cut-off time for claim submission on processing days is 12:00pm. Our team will process all claims submitted before the 12pm deadline on the processing day. This deadline will ensure staff have the adequate time to review your submission before sending your payment to the Comptroller. Claim submissions received after the deadline will be processed on the next processing day.
May 5, 2021 - TDA celebrates all the frontline heroes who serve our communities during this unprecedented time. We recognize your valiant efforts and want to say a sincere thank you!
The Texas Department of Agriculture has received some waivers from USDA to support the continued operation of meal service in response to coronavirus. Other waivers are not yet approved. Any information regarding USDA waivers related to meal service will be available at SquareMeals.org/coronavirus along with further instructions.
November 16, 2020 - ACTION REQUIRED: The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Nutrition Service recently updated its Civil Rights webpage resulting in changes to the internal hyperlinks within the Nondiscrimination Statement (NDS) as well as the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form. If you have not done so already, please update the electronic versions of the NDS with the English and/or Spanish versions. These changes were required to be completed no later than January 31, 2021.