On February 27, 2025, at 2:00 pm CST, TDA will be hosting an in-depth webinar on the requirements, flexibilities, and best practices related to rural non-congregate summer feeding.

To attend the webinar, click here. The link will also be posted on the Summer Non-Congregate Feeding page.

The Summer 2025 Non-Congregate Request Form for sites wishing to operate rural SFSP or SSO non-congregate sites this summer is now available on the Summer Non-Congregate Feeding page. The following associated resources are also available on that page:

-- Summer Non-Congregate Site Eligibility Map
-- SFSP Pre-Operational Review Form Prototype
-- SFSP First Two Week Site Visit Form Prototype
-- SFSP Onsite Monitoring Form Prototype
-- SSO Onsite Monitoring Form Prototype

USDA has published the 2025 Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) reimbursement rates. The new rates, which reflect a 3.6% increase from 2024, are published on the Summer Meals Reimbursement Rates webpage.

All new and returning Contracting Entities applying to operate SFSP are required to complete annual training. TDA provides three different options that will satisfy the requirement:

A. Self-paced training
B. Instructor-led training through regional Education Service Centers (ESCs)
C. Virtual, instructor-led Training via SFSP Live at the ESCs.

At a minimum, the sponsor’s supervisory personnel responsible for the food service must complete SFSP program administration and operations training and upload the certificate of completion with the application.

TDA Food and Nutrition has discontinued its scheduled quarterly meeting for contracting entities (CEs) in the Child and Adult Care Food Program and Summer Food Service Program. Going forward TDA will use topic-specific webinars, monthly newsletters, SquareMeals.org, eblasts, and policy manuals, to provide important operational information. Ending the standing meeting helps ensure CEs get important information timely. The CACFP Input Workgroup will remain intact, and CEs are encouraged to engage with the representatives on concerns and successes. For more information about the workgroup, please visit SquareMeals.org/CACFPWorkgroup.

The Texas Automated Nutrition System (TANS) will replace TX-UNPS for administration and management of all programs beginning with Program Year 2026 applications. Timelines, resources, and updates are available now on the Systems Hub.