Events, Trainings and Resources
The Turnip the Beet Award recognizes outstanding Summer Meal Program sponsors across the nation who work hard to offer high quality meals to children that are appetizing, appealing, and nutritious during the summer months. For more resources, including 2022 Nomination Form, Turnip the Beet Resource Guide, and deadlines, visit TDA’s Turnip the Beet page.
Have you pledged to participate in this year’s Farm Fresh Challenge? If not, there’s still time! Participating in the Farm Fresh Challenge is easier than you may think, as some of the foods you already serve could be Texas products. Pledge to gain access to our network of participating farmers, ranchers, and producers! Learn more by clicking the title link above Already pledged? Be sure to take advantage of your at the Farm Fresh Challenge page on Square Meals.
National School Lunch Week 2022 – Last Call to Order Materials!!
In less than a month, students across Texas will Get Your Day in Gear with a Healthy School Lunch during National School Lunch Week (NSLW) 2022. Some promotional materials are still available at no cost to you! Place your orders. Order deadline is September 16, 2022. Quantities are very limited. A list of schools/staff who have already placed orders for NSLW 2022 materials can be found by clicking here. This list was pulled at 2:12pm on 9/2/22. If you placed your order after this date and time you will not be on the list. Digital materials also available for download.
Orders placed before 8/20/22 are currently being sent out and should arrive at the address listed on the submitted order in 2 weeks.
Over the past year, USDA FNS has received inquiries to consider new foods to add to the USDA Foods in Schools Foods Available List and TDA would like to ask your feedback on new items to consider. Your feedback will help USDA FNS determine whether or not to conduct market research on the viability of making these products available for schools.
The two products that are currently being considering are black bean patties and individually wrapped dried tart cherries Please click the title link above to complete a very brief 3 question survey. Your time and feedback are appreciated.
New! “How School Lunch is Made and How You Can Help” Middle School Student Article
USDA’s Team Nutrition initiative is pleased to announce the release of “How School Lunch is Made and How You Can Help,” a nutrition education resource for middle school students inspired by the letters USDA receives from students each year. The article covers what is in a school meal, who decides what is on the menu, and how students can have a voice in the process. Health and English teachers can use this article to help meet educational standards for those subjects. This resource is a companion piece to Team Nutrition’s Fueling My Healthy Life nutrition education materials for middle school students. “How School Lunch is Made and How You Can Help” can be viewed or downloaded by clicking the title link above.
USDA Foods Online Training
Reminder: There are many USDA Foods training resources available on Squaremeals.org. Information about using USDA Foods (commodities) effectively is always valuable, but especially at the beginning of the school year as plans and menus are being finalized. Eleven timely topics are availble by clicking the title link above.
The WBSCM Transition Project has its own web page within SquareMeals.org. The page includes information about the project, activities and related dates, and training materials.
ESCs can use WBSCM Transition Project email account to submit questions from WBSCM Training sessions. Email address is: wbscm@txagriculture.gov
