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.
Recommendation for organizations new to the SFSP: As the administrative requirements of the SFSP are rigorous, TDA strongly recommends organizations operate their first SFSP year as a meal site under an experienced CE. These sites are welcome to transition to a CE role after successful participation as a site after a minimum of one year.
Click here for information on how to become a meal site.
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Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)
Returning Contracting Entities (CEs) and New Applicants
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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.
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.
For more information on applying to participate in the SFSP please contact:
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