October Updates

School Nutrition Program - October 2023

WBSCM Updates

WBSCM Training for Pilots and Non-Pilots

TDA is transitioning from the TX-UNPS Food Distribution Program (FDP) module to USDA's Web-Based Supply Chain Management (WBSCM) system to manage USDA Foods for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and Summer Food Service Program (SFSP).

Non-Piot Group - The remainder of Region 6 RAs (18) will transition to WBSCM this school year. WBSCM training began in September. Sessions will be repeated in October to ensure all WBSCM users have an opportunity to attend training. See the picture provided for the required training per WBSCM user role. *Must attend training for WBSCM access to order USDA Foods in January 2024.

- WBSCM training sessions are listed in the "Upcoming Events for CN Professionals". See the tab WBSCM at the bottom of the schedule.

- Scheduling conflict preventing you from attending ESC6 WBSCM sessions? See WBSCM Non-Pilot Training Sessions for ESC7 & ESC8 schedules. We do not want you to miss the opportunity to order USDA Foods.

Pilot & Non-Pilot Groups - During January – February 2024, TDA is hosting guided working sessions for ALL RAs statewide to complete the required steps and tasks for submitting accurate and complete Round 1 requisitions.

These 1 hour sessions will ensure success for the submission of your upcoming USDA Foods orders!

Clarification:

Who must attend each session? User Admin. (UA)
Can the Order Manager attend sessions? Yes, additional staff may attend the session with the UA. Only the UA should register for the session.
See details here -User Admin. register for virtual training by Oct. 27, 2023.

Upcoming Workshops

ESC workshops are provided according to TDA's request. TDA compiled the list of workshops according to frequent findings. Let us help you to prevent future AR findings!

We must have at least 25 to register in order for the Institute of Child Nutrition (ICN) to teach a workshop.
Please consider registering for upcoming workshops and notice the cutoff date for registration.

Upcoming ICN Workshops:

11/7 - 11/9/23 Registration closes Oct. 23

Writing, Updating, and Revising a HACCP-Based Food Safety Plan for Schools Workshop

Session# 546401

11/13 - 11/14/23 Registration closes Oct. 30

Financial Management: A Course for SNP Directors

Session# 546399

2/27/24 Registration closes Jan. 12

Forecasting the Procurement of Foods

Session# 546403

Upcoming Events for CN Professionals

CLICK HERE!

✅ Due Date & Reminders

School Nutrition Program Meeting

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Did you miss the Oct. 3rd meeting?

See the SNP updates located in the Taco 'Bout It Tuesday Livebinder.

Next meeting - November 7, 2023, from 9 - 10:30 am
Date/Time and access provided in the Upcoming Events for CN Professionals

DoD Opt-In form - Due Oct. 31

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The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) has posted the Program Year (PY) 2024-2025 “DoD” Opt-In Jot Form on Squaremeals.org, which combines “Fresh Fruits & Vegetables” (DoD FFV) and now “Locally Grown”, formerly known as “Farm to School” (FtS). RAs must indicate they wish to Opt-In (participate) in DoD during PY 2024-2025 by selecting “Yes” or “No” before COB October 31, 2023. DoD Entitlement is a one-time distribution by TDA for the new PY as an equitable share of all participants.

Please review the “DoD Fresh/Farm to School” One Pager posted on the WBSCM Transition Project page of Squaremeals.org, which impacts all RAs beginning PY2024-2025, copy and paste path into a search browser: Squaremeals.org/Programs/FDP-WBSCM-Transition-Project

Path to DoD Opt-In Jot Form, copy and paste path in a search browser: https://form.jotform.com/222935017097155

DoD TIMELINES FOR PY 2024-2025:

October 2, 2023: DoD Opt-In Jot Form posted and open on Squaremeals.org.

October 31, 2023:DoD Opt-In Jot Form will be inactive at COB.

November 2023: DoD entitlement distribution will be completed for the RAs who chose to opt-in to participate in the program.

Should you have questions or need further assistance, please email CommodityOperations@TexasAgriculture.gov or call us at 1-877-TEX-MEAL.