Latest News for the Summer Meal Programs

RELEASE: Updated SFSP Supplemental Handbook

Published: 202 days ago
" TDA has posted to SquareMeals an updated SFSP Supplemental Handbook, featuring numerous updates, including material incorporated from USDA's handbook. Consolidation of USDA's handbook and TDA's Supplemental Handbook will be ongoing throughout the year.
"
TDA has posted to SquareMeals an updated SFSP Supplemental Handbook, featuring the following updates:

-- Imported content from USDA’s Administrative Sponsors’ Guide into Chapters 1, 2, and 7 (imported content not highlighted).

-- Added guidance about TDA conducting pre-approval visits for all new sponsors, sponsors with previous operational issues, and select sites.

-- Added guidance about the simplified application process for experienced sponsors. Also added new requirements about a full management plan being required every three years for any CE that is required to submit a management plan.

-- Added additional clarification around criteria for operating a closed enrolled site in an income eligible area.

-- Added clarification that existing rural congregate sites approved to switch to a non-congregate model will be considered “new” and must have a pre-operational visit.

-- Updated criteria and resources for determining rurality of a site and added that rurality designation is valid for five years.

-- Added high level information about the availability of non-congregate service for rural sites that meet specific eligibility criteria.

-- Added a reference to the annual School Data for Area Eligibility report as well as how schools on the report are determined area eligible.

-- Added participant notification requirements for closed enrolled sites and camps.

-- Updated guidance on Extreme Heat/Air Quality Waivers and the discontinued Demonstration Project.

-- Updated Unanticipated School Closure guidance.

-- Updated “Termination by Mutual Agreement” to “Termination for Convenience” to align with regulatory terminology.

-- Updated Offer versus Serve Guidance for clarity.

-- Added requirement that all CEs must attend TDA-provided training annually along with instructions on how to access information about the training.

-- Added that any rural sites approved to switch from a congregate service to a non-congregate service are considered “new” and must receive a first two weeks site visit.

-- Added a link to the online form for requesting removal from the TEXSL.

-- Added full Civil Rights assurance statements that must be included in every agreement.

-- Moved the SFSP Waiver guidance to its own new Chapter 10.
 
The SFSP Supplemental Handbook is located on the Summer Meal Programs Policy/Handbook page.

Consolidation of USDA's handbook and TDA's Supplemental Handbook will be ongoing throughout the year.

###




Assistance available in English and Spanish. Please call 877-TEX-MEAL (877-839-6325) for help. Additional translations services available as well.

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

1. Mail:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
2. Fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
SquareMeals.org Logo

Facebook Icon Instagram Icon
Twitter Icon YouTube Icon