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Policy and Handbooks for Summer Meal Programs
Policy Updates and News   

All the most current resources you need to successfully operate the Summer Meal Programs are available here. TDA keeps this page updated with any new policy updates and news, including the following:

  • Handbook release notices with update summaries
  • Form release notices
  • Brand new policy updates that haven’t yet been updated within the handbooks
  • FAQs and other resources, as required

Please bookmark this page and check back periodically.

Waiver Requested to Extend Implementation Date of SFSP Final Rule Regulations - March 10, 2023

On September 19, 2022, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) issued Final Rule, Streamlining Program Requirements and Improving Integrity in the SFSP (Final Rule), which included many new SFSP requirements to be codified in 7 CFR 225, some of which require system updates that cannot be implemented prior to the required May 1, 2023, deadline. TDA is requesting from USDA a one-time extension of the May 1 Final Rule implementation deadline to January 1, 2024, to allow time for the Texas Unified Nutrition Programs System (TX-UNPS) to be updated to accommodate this requirement.
 

Summer 2023 FAQ - UPDATED February 19, 2023

An updated Summer 2023 FAQ was posted to clarify guidance about transitioning to NSLP from Summer operations within a district with different school start dates. This document will be updated as necessary as Summer approaches and beyond, so check back periodically and keep an eye on your newsletter.
 

2022-2023 School Data for Area Eligibility Report Released - February 15, 2023
The 2022-2023 School Data for Area Eligibility report has been posted on the Administration/Forms page. Sites at or in the attendance area of schools listed in this report are area eligible to serve community children free meals via a Summer meals program or afterschool program.

SFSP Supplemental Handbook Update

November 28, 2022 - The SFSP Supplemental Handbook was updated to correct broken links, update citations, add guidance pertaining to regulatory changes going into effect Summer 2023, and to clarify policy. Specific updates are listed in the new Log of Section Updates section at the beginning of the handbook.


USDA Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) Handbooks  Minimize 
To read the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) handbooks, visit the USDA SFSP handbooks page at https://www.fns.usda.gov/sfsp/handbooks.



TDA Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) Supplemental Handbook  Minimize 

Within the TDA SFSP Supplemental Handbook, TDA provides additional guidance that clarifies and/or supplements policy provided by USDA in the Administrative Guidance for Sponsors (AGS) and policy memos. The TDA SFSP Supplemental Handbook models the organizational structure of AGS, for the CE’s ease of use.



USDA Policy Memos  Minimize 
USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) issues policy memoranda to provide guidance on implementing SFSP. Click here to see these memos on the USDA site.



Seamless Summer Option (SSO) Policy  Minimize 
For guidance on operating the SSO, CEs should refer to Section 11 of the Administrator’s Reference Manual (ARM) by clicking here. This section of the ARM also provides guidance on the Texas Summer Mandate.



Is a food item creditable? Find out with the Food Buying Guide

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, 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/USDA-OASCR%20P-Complaint-Form-0508-0002-508-11-28-17Fax2Mail.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.
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