May 2022 Monthly Newsletter

Events, Trainings and Resources

USDA Resource Release: Food Safety Emergency Response Pocket Guide

This resource provides key food safety practices and information for school nutrition professionals to consider in various emergency situations to ensure the safe service of school meals and reduce the risk of foodborne illness. Emergencies caused by disasters and weather-related events are addressed including power outages, water outages, water contamination, sewage issues, floods, and fires. Digital copies are available for viewing and printing www.SquareMeals.org/NSLPResources.

HART Applications Now Open Until May 2, 2022- Share with Staff and Students

Bring the HART program to your district by helping the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) recruit student health ambassadors for the program. HART students champion school meals, Texas agriculture, healthy lifestyles and more. The one-of-a-kind initiative is a great fit for high school leaders excited about promoting good nutrition and fighting food insecurity. If you know any of these students spread the word and ask them to apply today. Deadline to apply is May 2, 2022.

Take the Fall Farm Fresh Challenge

Registration for the NSLP Fall Farm Fresh Challenge is now open. Pledge your participation today and begin planning procurement of local Texas items!

Summer Outreach Materials - Order Today!

The Summer Meal Programs provide healthy and nutritious meals after the school year ends to children 18 years and younger and enrolled students with disabilities up to 21 years old. The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) has developed no-cost, online resources and printed materials you can use to promote the availability of these meals for families in need. Please visit www.SummerFood.org/OutreachTools to order no-cost, print materials today!

School Lunch Hero Day 2022

On Friday, May 6, 2022, we celebrate School Lunch Hero Day! Between preparing healthy meals for Texas students, adhering to strict nutrition standards, navigating student food allergies, and offering service with a smile, school nutrition professionals are true heroes. School Lunch Hero Day provides the perfect opportunity to recognize the hardworking professionals in your school cafeterias. TDA has fun downloadable resources to help you celebrate your school lunch heroes.

Summer Materials Have Been Delivered to Assist School in meeting the USDA Requirement

The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) delivered posters and information cards to every school food authority (SFA) in Texas to assist them in fulfilling a National School Lunch Program requirement to notify students and their families about the availability of summer meals. The posters must be displayed on campus and the information cards must be distributed to each student immediately upon the shipment’s arrival. Click here for more information about this USDA requirement.

Deadlines

Review This Month’s Program Calendar Due Dates

For upcoming deadlines, see the Program Year Calendar.

Claim Deadline Reminder

March and April claims are due. Claim deadline for March is May 30th. Don't delay, submit claims timely!

Security Form FND-101 has been removed from SquareMeals

TDA has fully transitioned to the User Access Manager for all entities and has removed the FND-101 form on SquareMeals.

Policy Updates and Compliance Reminders

Updated Guidance on Paid Lunch Equity Exemption (PLE) for School Year (SY) 2022-2023

USDA extended the PLE exemption based on a CE’s financial position to SY 2022-2023 in policy memo SP 08-2022 Consolidated Appropriations Act 2022: Effect on Child Nutrition Programs (released April 4, 2022).

Universal Breakfast Program Waivers

The Universal Breakfast Program Waiver application closes on July 1.

Civil Rights Training Migrating to ICN

Effective May 15, 2022, the annual Civil Rights training that meets USDA Child Nutrition Program requirements as mandated in FNS Instruction 113-1 will be provided through the Institute of Child Nutrition (ICN) rather than TDA. New users must register with ICN, and ICN will issue completion certificates. Starting May 15, links to the online training and instructions for taking ICN classes can be found here.

TDA to Request Waivers for Summer 2022 and SY 2022-2023

Given that many nationwide waivers are set to expire in June or soon after the declared end of the Public Health Emergency, TDA is requesting from USDA the discretion to implement waivers this summer and next school year. If approved, these waivers are only expected to be used in cases where COVID-19 has affected operations; they are not meant to be used as part of standard operations throughout the Program Year.

Seamless Summer Option (SSO) Age/Grade Exemption

The SSO age/grade meal pattern portion sizes exemption is now available in TX-UNPS. CEs participating in SSO that are operating open and restricted open sites and have difficulty implementing the age/grade group requirements may apply for an exemption.

Monthly Highlights

2022 Turnip the Beet Recognition Award

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.

TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
COMMISSIONER SID MILLER
This product was funded by USDA.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

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