The 2026-2027 Income Eligibility Guidelines (IEGs) for all child nutrition programs and associated forms/resources containing the IEGs have been released and posted to SquareMeals on the Income Eligibility Guidelines page and applicable Program Administration/Forms pages.

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The due date to elect CEP for 2026-27 Program Year (PY) is JUNE 30, 2026.   The only way to elect CEP is to submit the application packet in TX-UNPS on or before June 30, 2026.

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USDA is opening up a public comment period through May 18, 2026, during which state agencies, outside organizations, and the public can comment on information collection activities required by organizations operating one of the Food Distribution Programs. Operators have a chance to comment on the burden associated with any required reporting, which may include the number of households served in the programs; the quantities of foods ordered and where the food is to be delivered; verification of the receipt of a food order; and the amounts of USDA Foods in inventory.

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TDA has posted the Paid Lunch Equity Tool for the upcoming SY 2026-2027 on the NSLP Administration/Forms page. School Food Authorities (SFAs) that had a negative balance in the nonprofit school food service account as of June 30, 2025, must follow PLE requirements according to 7 CFR 210.14(e) when establishing their paid lunch prices for SY 2026-2027.

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May’s important USDA Foods updates for schools include information and resources to help prepare for PY27 round 2 ordering, along with ESC support. 

Click here to see the USDA Foods Ordering Updates for May.

Want to get ahead of TANS? Join our External TANS Talks.  Each month, we will take an inside look at different parts of the system or look at what you may need to do to help you complete a task in TANS. This month, we will look at some sections of the NSLP application and explore who you may need to reach out to for information to complete those sections.

We are moving TANS Talk to Teams Webinars starting in May.  The registration link is located on the Square Meals TANS page.  Please note - you will need to register each month.

Use the TANS Talk Feedback Form to submit any TANS questions you would like to see reviewed during the call. We will cover questions received at least 48 hours prior to the call to give our team time to prepare for the meeting.

The next TANS Talk is on Thursday, May 14 at 1 p.m. (CDT)

Contracting entities (CEs) that received an Administrative Review and Procurement Review in School Year 2025-2026, may receive a Seamless Summer Option (SSO) Review in Summer 2026. The list of CEs that will receive an SSO Review will be available on SquareMeals soon. Please visit SquareMeals in the coming days for more information.

The School Year 2026-2027 School Nutrition Programs Administrative Review (AR) and Procurement Review (PR) Schedule is available on SquareMeals. The list shows the contracting entities (CEs) receiving AR and PRs in the 2026-2027 school year.

Could not make it to MegaCon this year? Great news! You asked, and we listened. We are bringing the most in-demand conference sessions straight to you through our MegaCon Webinar Series.

Join us each month this summer for interactive training webinars that give you access to the most current information and provide steps you can use right away. You’ll be actively involved from start to finish as our sessions cover everything from your program’s financials to building training that sticks, all while you earn USDA Professional Standards Training hours without ever leaving the office. 

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In Summer 2026, TDA has the discretion to allow SFSP and SSO operators in good standing to serve non-congregate meals at outdoor SFSP or SSO sites on days when a Heat Advisory, Excessive Heat Warning, or Excessive Heat Watch have been issued for the site area, or on days when the EPA has issues a purple flag or higher air quality warning for the area. Affected organizations must submit a Waiver Request form (available in TX-UNPS Download Forms) and supporting documentation in order for non-congregate meals served to be reimbursable.

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The “Texas Taste Tour” activity booklets and coloring sheets we shared during MegaCon 2026 are now available on SquareMeals! Feel free to use these resources with your students as a way to entice engagement, creativity and an opportunity to learn more about healthy eating habits in Texas. 
 

Click here to download and share the creative resources!

School districts are invited to attend an in-depth 6-hour Local Wellness Policy training designed to help strengthen and implement effective policies. This training is offered as part of a USDA-funded initiative that empowers high school students to help improve their school environment. Participants are encouraged to bring a copy of their district's Local Wellness Policy to review and work through during this hands-on session. To learn more about this training opportunity, please click here.