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Getting Started With SFSP Main Page
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Programs > Summer Meal Programs > New Applicants > Become A Summer Meals Contracting Entity
Become A Summer Meals Contracting Entity

Returning Contracting Entities (CEs) and New Applicants

The Texas Department of Agriculture partners with organizations across Texas to offer summer meals to children as part of the Summer Food Service Program.

Organizations join with TDA as contracting entities (CEs) to serve meals at sites in designated areas. All meal sites must be sponsored by CEs that have a contract with TDA. Approved CEs, operating in accordance with federal and state regulations, will be reimbursed for meals served to children.

A sponsor (referred to as a Contracting Entity or “CE”) contracts directly with the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) for overall management of operations at one or more sites (also called “meal sites”).

An organization is eligible to apply to be a CE if it is a governmental entity, a public or private nonprofit school, a public or private nonprofit residential camp, or a private nonprofit organization

Private nonprofit organizations must have Federal tax-exempt status under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Although churches must be tax-exempt, they are not required to provide documentation of their tax-exempt status.
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SFSP USDA Foods Participation

How to Apply to be a SFSP CE

SFSP Application Timeframe and Deadlines

January 15: Access to SFSP application packet opens in TX-UNPS. 

March 15: Deadline for CEs requesting an advance payment.

April 15: Deadline for new applicants, or renewing CEs in need of a more thorough review*
May 1: Deadline for renewing CEs.


*Renewing CEs in need of a more thorough review are those with a deferred serious deficiency in: 

• the previous CACFP and/or SFSP program year, and/or 

• the current CACFP program year. 


Recommended SFSP Application Timeframes For Additional Requests
At least 60 days prior to start of SFSP operations, a CE should submit: 
  • A request for a rural designation of a SFSP site located in a Metropolitan statistical area
At least 90 days prior to start of SFSP operations, a CE should submit: 
  • A request for a waiver of SFSP requirements.
TDA will notify CEs about the approval or denial of these requests. See the TDA SFSP Supplemental Handbook for information on how to submit these requests.


There is no cost to apply to serve as a contracting entity in SFSP.
 

Entities that offer paid consulting services to applicants and operators of the SFSP are not representatives of TDA, employees of, nor contracted by TDA to provide such services. Consulting services may include, but are not limited to:

  • Assistance with the SFSP application process,
  • Support with program implementation, and
  • Strategizing program growth

TDA does not endorse, recommend, or favor any entity or consultant offering such services. CEs that utilize consulting services must retain final administrative and financial responsibility for management of a proper, efficient and effective summer food service operation. CEs are responsible for complying with all federal and state regulations and must maintain oversight of the Program at all times while applying and participating in the SFSP.  

TDA and its regional Education Services Centers (ESCs) provide technical assistance, free of charge, to all applicants and returning CEs. Click here to find out which ESC supports your area.



Use the + button to expand each section.


SFSP Application Packet  Maximize 
SFSP Application Packet Components
Online TX-UNPS Application Screens: Electronic sections of the application in TX-UNPS that must be submitted by the application deadline provided above.
Required Documents/Checklist Items: One or more forms must be submitted by the application deadline. Some of the checklist items may ask a CE to submit additional documentation to support information provided on a form. CEs may upload these documents directly into TX-UNPS.


 

TX-UNPS APPLICATION SCREENS
Screen Name REQUIRED FOR

Additional Information

New CEs

Renewing CEs

Contracting Entity Application

X

X

The CE may also be required to submit government issued ID, with picture, and proof of home address for the person listed as the Primary Authorized Representative.

Budget Detail

X

X

All CEs, including schools, must complete this screen.

Management Plan

X

X

The CE may also be required to submit government issued ID, with picture, and proof of home address for the person listed as the Board Chairman as well as other Administrative Staff. 

Food Production Facility List

X

X

If any sites are vended or receive meals from a central kitchen, the CE must complete this screen for each location where food is prepared.

Site Field Trip List

X

X

For each site, complete a field trip request screen. Multiple field trips can be requested on one screen. This may be done at the time of application or at least fifteen (15) days prior to field trip date.

Viability, Capability and Accountability (VCA) Checklist

X
 

X

If applicable

All new private non-profit organizations must complete the VCA Checklist screen and upload all supporting documentation. Renewing CEs may be asked to verify previously submitted VCA Checklist information or to complete the VCA Checklist screen and upload all supporting documentation. CEs may refer to the SFSP VCA Checklist Evaluation Questions document to learn how TDA will assess the submitted VCA Checklist screen.

 

NOTE: If you are a new private non-profit applicant to SFSP, but already participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and are in good standing (have not been found to be seriously deficient in operating the CACFP), you are not required to complete this screen.

Site Application

X

X

Complete this screen for each site the CE applies to sponsor.

Advance Request

X

If applicable

X

If applicable

If requesting an advance payment, the CE must complete the advance request screen for each eligible month that the CE is requesting an advance. This can be done only after the application packet has been approved. The CE must meet the eligibility requirements for advance payments. 

Annual Audit

X

If applicable

X  

If applicable

All non-Federal CEs subject to Single Audit  requirements must complete the Annual Audit screen indicating their fiscal year and any other federal funds they receive. 

NOTE: Federal CEs, such as military installations are not required to complete and submit the Annual Audit screen.


Required Documentation
 

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Download Form

REQUIRED FOR Additional Information

New CEs

Renewing CEs

Permanent Agreement
PDF icon

X

 

Each organization applying for its first Child Nutrition Program must complete and submit one original Permanent Agreement.

Permanent Agreement Contracting Entity Specific Amendment
Word DOC icon

X

If applicable

X

If applicable

CEs participating in other child nutrition programs (CACFP, NSLP) that are new to SFSP must complete and submit a Permanent Agreement Contracting Entity Specific Amendment.

Direct Deposit Authorization (74-176)
PDF icon

X
 

X

If changed

Complete and submit to TDA to receive direct deposit of your reimbursement.

Application for Texas Identification Number (AP-152)
PDF icon

X

 

If you are providing a Employer Identification Number (EIN) on the Application for Texas Identification Number (Form AP-152), you must provide a copy of the document from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that establishes your organization's EIN. A copy of the letter from the IRS issuing the EIN or a copy of the payment coupon with the EIN on it, is acceptable.

Pre-Award Civil Rights Compliance Review
Word DOC icon

X

If applicable

 

 

Only new CEs that do not already have a Permanent Agreement are required to submit this form. This form is used to provide Civil Rights information required to determine if an organization is eligible for participation.
 

NOTE: The total ethnicity must equal the total participation. Example: If you estimate 100 participants, 100 participants must be categorized by ethnicity. Participants may be categorized in multiple racial categories, so you may have over 100 in race.

Health Department Letter (Prototype Letter Health Department Notification)
Word DOC icon

X

X

Submit a copy of the notification letter sent to each health department that has jurisdiction over the sites that you propose to sponsor.
 

This letter should include the following information for all sites in the health department’s jurisdiction:

  • Site name
  • Site address
  • Meal types being served
  • Start and end time of each meal
  • Start and end dates of meal service operation


For additional information on your local health department click here.

Media Release – All Site Types

Not required

Not required

TDA does a Statewide media release on behalf of all SFSP sponsors.    

NOTE: If you submit a copy of a media release that you intend to do on your own behalf, it will be discarded and will not be reviewed for completeness and accuracy by TDA. 

USDA Foods Agreement
PDF icon

X

If applicable

X

If applicable

If you do not currently have a USDA Foods (Commodity) Agreement on file with TDA (version dated January 2017) and wish to receive USDA Foods, you must complete and submit one original.

 

NOTE: CEs eligible to receive USDA Foods under the SFSP include:

  • CEs preparing meals onsite or at a central kitchen.
  • CEs purchasing meals from a School Food Authority (SFA) that participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).
  • SFAs that procure their SFSP meals from the same food service management company (FSMC) that competitively provided their most recent NSLP and/or School Breakfast Program (SBP) meals.

FND-101, Certificate of Authority for External Users
Word DOC icon Instructions Icon

X
 

X

If changes

Complete and submit this form to identify the officials designated to act on behalf of the CE. These individuals will also be given access, as designated, to TX-UNPS.

Method for Collecting Payment and Additional Assurances form

(Form H1506-A, Additional Assurances for Camps and Other Enrollment Programs that Charge Separately for Meals; Collection of Payment Options for Programs that Charge Separately for Meals) Word DOC icon PDF icon Instructions Icon

X

If applicable

X

If changes

Complete and submit one original, if applicable.

Copy of vending agreement, contract and bid summary (Summer Food Service Program -- Invitation for Bid and Contract), or Extension (Summer Food Service Program – Invitation for Bid and Contract)

 Word DOC icon PDF icon

X

If applicable

X

If applicable

If you will be inviting food service management companies (FSMCs) to bid to furnish unitized meals, complete and return one copy. If you are in the renewal year of a contract, you must submit contract extension documentation.

 

NOTE: Does not apply to School Food Authority applicants that have a FSMC contract for NSLP/SBP that includes SFSP.

Agreement to Provide Food Service

X

If applicable

X

If applicable

If the meal service method of any of your sites is “Vended by School Food Authority” or “Vended by another SFSP Contracting Entity,” submit a copy of the agreement to provide food service.

 

NOTE: See Administrative Guidance for Sponsors – Attachments for a sample Agreement.

Bureau of Indian Affairs Letter

X

If applicable

X

If applicable

If eligibility method (question 29) of the Site Application is Bureau of Indian Affairs Letter, submit statistics on the population from one of the 12 Bureau of Indian Affairs area offices.

Migrant Organization Letter

X

If applicable

X

If applicable

If eligibility method (question 29) of the Site Application is Migrant Organization Letter, submit information obtained from the migrant organization that certifies that the site serves a majority of children of migrant workers.

Homeless Site Information

X

If applicable

X

If applicable 

If eligibility method (question 29) of the Site Application is Homeless Site Information, submit information that demonstrates that site is not a residential child care institution; description of method used to ensure that no cash payments or other in-kind services are used for meal service; and certification that site only claims meals served to homeless and non-homeless children.

 

NOTE: Residential child care institution means any public or private nonprofit institution which operates principally for the care of children. The term “residential child care institution” includes, but is not limited to: homes for the mentally, emotionally or physically impaired, and unmarried mother and their infants; group homes; halfway houses; orphanages; temporary shelters for abused children and for runaway children; long-term care facilities for chronically ill children; and juvenile detention centers.

Copy of Articles of Incorporation, Certificate of Formation, Assumed Name X Organizations must be registered with Texas Secretary of State (SOS) and the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (CPA).  
By-laws or similar document X The By-laws or similar document grants program oversight responsibility to the Governing Board and/or Officers. It outlines how the Governing Board/Officers will provide oversight of the Program and outlines the designated representatives of the Governing Board/Officers that will provide oversight of the program.
Organizational chart X
 
X
if applicable
An organizational chart should include the positions/titles, full legal names, board members/officers, administrative personnel and operative personnel of the organization.
501c3 letter X
excluding churches
Private nonprofit organizations must have received and must maintain tax-exempt status under 501(c)(3) from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS), either individually or as part of a group ruling. If an organization acquired tax-exempt status under a group ruling, it must submit proof of its affiliation with the parent organization that has tax-exempt status. Organizations that lose their tax-exempt status are not eligible to participate in the Program.
CPA Audited Financial Statement within the last two years X Older organizations may submit a CPA Audited Financial Statement covering the last two years in lieu of the below financial documentation.
Statement of Financial Position or Statement of Net Assets (Balance Sheet)* X Organizations must furnish a Statement of Financial Position or Statement of Net Assets covering the most recent 12 months.

Statement of Activities or Statement of Changes in Net Assets (Income Statement)*

X

Organizations must furnish a Statement of Activities or Statement of Changes in Net Assets covering the most recent 12 months.

Comprehensive financial statements or documentation (i.e., cash flow statements, tax returns)* X Organizations must furnish a Statement of Cash Flows covering the most recent 12 months.
Bank statements* X

Organizations must furnish 12 consecutive months of bank statements for all account(s) in the name of the organization. Bank statements must illustrate normal business activity, such as deposits from consistently generated income and monthly business expenses.

Agreement from SFA Office/SFA Official X
If applicable
X
If applicable
All Non-ISD sponsoring organizations wishing/planning on sponsoring a school campus/a site that is located on a school campus MUST provide a signed agreement from the appropriate District Office/District Official for each (of the) site(s) that the non-ISD sponsoring organization is submitting for approval.


Submitting Documentation to TDA  Maximize 

Make sure the CE Name and CE ID are on every page of every form/document that is submitted. Keep a copy of all forms/documents submitted to TDA.

UPLOAD DOCUMENTS DIRECTLY TO TX-UNPS: Mailing documents to TDA may delay the CE’s intended receipt date of documents. As a reminder, CEs can upload all documentation directly in TX-UNPS, and TDA strongly recommends this method of submission. 

In addition to direct upload in TX-UNPS, CEs may also send documentation to TDA by one of the following methods:

Email to SFSP.BOps@TexasAgriculture.gov

Fax to 888-223-8645

Mail to
Texas Department of Agriculture
Food and Nutrition
Attn: F&N Business Operations – Applications
P.O. Box 12847
Austin, Texas 78711

Overnight to
Texas Department of Agriculture
Food and Nutrition
Attn: F&N Business Operations – Applications
1700 North Congress Ave.
Austin, Texas 78701



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, 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
3. Email: program.intake@usda.gov.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
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