September 2021 Monthly Newsletter 

Events, Trainings and Resources
Back to School Resources!
Click here to view resources from ICN and USDA's Team Nutrition.
Local Wellness Policy
Find resources to strengthen your school district’s Local Wellness Policy.
New Feature and Process for Texas ELMS
Texas ELMS has a new modified individual search feature and upload process to "un-claim" more than 1 student at a time. TEA matches will be available after September 5th.
Offering Meats and Meat Alternates at School Breakfast
USDA’s Team Nutrition’s initiative is pleased to announce the release of “Offering Meats and Meat Alternates at School Breakfast Grades Kindergarten Through 12 (K-12)”.
USDA Farm to School Census Data Now Available
The Census measures the scope, reach and overall impact of farm to school efforts across the nation.
Verification Sample Method Worksheet
Resource for determining verification sample size and recording application count and direct verification results.
Virtual Instructor Led Training Offered by ICN
Register now to attend free, live, interactive training sessions for child nutrition professionals. These sessions feature individual lessons led by ICN's expert trainers on great back-to-school and child and adult care topics.
Deadlines
Review This Month’s Program Calendar Due Dates
For upcoming deadlines, see the Program Year Calendar.
Deadline to Submit Turnip the Beet Recognition Awards is Sept. 10th!
Turnip the Beet Recognition Awards are due September 10th. For more resources, including Turnip the Beet Resource Guide, Nomination Form, and deadlines, click here.
Pledge Now for the NSLP Farm Fresh Challenge
The time to pledge for the NSLP October Farm Fresh Challenge is now! Click here to learn more and pledge your participation.
Reminder: Schools Must Distribute Media Release
As a reminder, schools must distribute information about the availability of NSLP/SBP or SSO meals to the community at the beginning of the school year. Find more information here.
Policy Updates and Compliance Reminders
Application Processing in TX-UNPS
Please ensure that the application packet for your Contracting Entity (CE) is either in an approved or submitted status and that the CE contact information in TX-UNPS is current.
COVID-19 Guidance for Waiver Flexibilities and SSO Operations
For information related to COVID-19 waiver flexibilities and Seamless Summer Option (SSO) operations during SY 2021-2022, please reference the latest COVID-19 guidance here.
Direct Certification Matches
Please remember that all CEs must complete direct certification matches monthly, including those operating SSO or CEP. CEs can find more information about direct certification in ARM Section 4, Eligibility.
Master Eligibility Roster
Please ensure that the master eligibility roster of students, including carryover eligibility if applicable, is completed within 30 operating days after the start of NSLP/SBP food service operation this SY.
PY 2021-2022 Application Reminders
The School Nutrition Program (SNP) site applications must be submitted and approved as a prerequisite for SSO application processing.
Revised Administrator's Reference Manual (ARM)
Several revisions to the ARM were released. See the full list here.
Summer Manddate Cost Reporting
School districts mandated to participate in the 2021 summer nutrition programs are required to submit the Summer Cost Report form through TX-UNPS unless a waiver was granted.
USDA Foods Rate of Assistance for SY 2022
TDA has posted the SY 2021-2022 USDA Foods Rate of Assistance.
Monthly Highlights
Angela Olige's Retirement and Welcoming of F&N's New Assistant Commissioner
TDA is sad to say farewell to our Assistant Commissioner Angela Olige, but is pleased to introduce Lena Wilson at the Division’s new Assistant Commissioner.
Square meals
Texas Department of Agriculture
TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
COMMISSIONER SID MILLER
This product was funded by USDA.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Square meals
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Texas Department of Agriculture | P.O. Box 12847, Austin, TX 78711
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