Commissioner Sid Miller and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) invite you to MegaCon 2026! This year, the conference will be held on April 6-8, in Waco. Be sure to save the date! More information will be available soon!

The request form for eligible SFSP and SSO operators wanting to serve non-congregate meals in rural areas for Summer 2026 is now available! Before submitting the form, all organizations must follow the guidance documented in the newly released 2026 Rural Summer Non-Congregate FAQs. All resources are posted on SquareMeals on the dedicated Rural Summer Non-Congregate page.

On an annual basis, TDA must publish a list of schools participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) in which at least one-half of the children are eligible for free or reduced-price meals. The School Data for Area Eligibility 2025-2026 report, based on October 2025 claims data for non-CEP schools and the April 2025 CEP ISP report for CEP schools, has been posted to SquareMeals in the following locations:

• CACFP Administration Forms
• Summer Feeding Administration Forms
• NSLP Administration Forms

USDA has published the 2025 Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) reimbursement rates. The new rates, which reflect a 3.7% increase from 2025, are published on the SquareMeals: Summer Meals Reimbursement Rates page.

The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) self-paced training is now available on SquareMeals.org! The self-paced course consists of SFSP basics, responsibilities, finance, procurement, meal service, and program administration. 

After completion of the training, you’ll be able to download and print your SFSP certificate of completion. You can access the SFSP self-paced training course on SquareMeals!

• CE’s wishing to receive an advance must submit in TXUNPS by March 15, 2026

• SFSP Training must be completed prior to submission of application in TXUNPS

• Be sure to include a copy of your training certificate and health department letter(s) when submitting your application. Private nonprofits and non federal government entities must complete the annual audit screen in TXUNPS

• Private nonprofits and government entities operating a site on public school property must obtain permission from the school district HQ. The permission letter must be provided to TDA along with submission of the site application

• Please review the maximum ADP site list on SquareMeals (located at the bottom of the page) before submitting your renewal application in TXUPS

• Stay tuned for FAQ updates to the SFSP/SSO non congregate site program

In Summer 2026, some school districts and sponsors in rural areas will be eligible to operate non-congregate sites within 2 miles of another summer site. Eligible organizations must demonstrate in their applications that they meet the criteria for using those flexibilities.

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On February 18 at 2 p.m. CST, the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) will host the Summer 2026 Rural Non-Congregate Feeding Program Overview webinar. This session will be a deep dive into the requirements, flexibilities, updates, and resources associated with rural non-congregate feeding during Summer 2026.

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The Program Year 2026 application for Seamless Summer Option (SSO) is NOW OPEN in TX-UNPS. More information about operating SSO and technical assistance for completing the SSO application are available from your local Education Service Center. Please submit early to avoid service delays.

The deadline for submitting the SSO application is May 31, 2026.

Mark your calendar for Thursday, February 12 from 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. (CST)!

TANS Talk is an office hours session that will allow Organizations (formally known as CEs) to review TANS related updates. We are excited to share all of the new updates about this platform and answer any questions.

How to Participate in TANS Talk:
Use this 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, allowing our team time to prepare for the meeting. Visit the TANS homepage and Resources page for access to past TANS Talks, updates, trainings, and more.