Mid-August Updates
School Nutrition Program - August 2023
FSMC CEs
The Texas Department of Agriculture will host three webinars for CEs that contract with a Food Service Management Company (FSMC) or who might be interested in contracting with an FSMC.
August 22, 2023, 10:00-11:30 am
RFP and renewal: documents and process.
Registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_a8N0KQrYQd6zk4XSkKRTrQ
September 13, 2023, 10:00-11:30 am
RFP and renewal: documents and process.
Registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_pkTh_Yj7QEue9XF3f_PRsA
January 17, 2024, 10:00-11:30 am
RFP, evaluation, and renewal process.
Registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_CsruHqpGSXqhOvxHcIhcug
These webinars are for CE participation only to learn about the RFP, renewal documents, and the process. Registration is required. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
FSMCs cannot be in attendance, as this would be an unfair advantage during the process. If TDA becomes aware of FSMC participation, they will be removed from the webinar.
Thank you,
Texas Department of Agriculture
Food and Nutrition Division
Verification Update Training
Explore the step-by-step process for conducting the annual USDA Verification of applications for the National School Lunch Program. Review the procedures for selecting the required number of applications, notification, and documentation of results. Intended audience: District, charter, and private school Verification Officials.
This session is intended for Child Nutrition Staff responsible for conducting the required annual Verification process.
ESC6 will offer an in-person or online opportunity to attend the Verification Update training. Click on the session number hyperlink for registration. The in-person registration will close at noon on Sept. 11. If we do not meet the minimum number of registrants, the session will be canceled.
- September 27, 2023 - ESC6 location Session# 541102
- September 28, 2023 - Online Zoom Session# 541104
WBSCM Training
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).
Region 6 ESC had 40 Recipient Agencies (RA) to pilot the transition during the last school year. Through the pilot group transition, we all learned a lot! TDA recently updated some of the materials and resources.
The remainder of Region 6 RAs (18) will transition to WBSCM this school year. WBSCM training begins 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 each WBSCM role.
Because the pilot group already received training it is not required to attend again. However, we encourage pilot RAs to attend training for updates.
WBSCM training sessions are listed in the "Upcoming Events for CN Professionals". As illustrated below there are two tabs of sessions 1) All Events and 2) WBSCM.
School Nutrition Program Updates
Important updates include:
- guidance and resources for reduced-price students to receive breakfast meals free of charge.
- CEP Implementation Chart/Media Release
- and more!
Taco 'Bout It Tuesday Meetings
- Monthly meetings will always be on a Tuesday
- No registration = No professional standards credit
- Online Zoom meetings - one link to access all meetings
- Resources gathered in a new Livebinder - Taco 'Bout It Tuesday
- First meeting - September 5, 2023, from 9 - 10:30 am
- Date/Time provided in the Upcoming Events for CN Professionals
Tona Holcombe
CN Program Administrative Assistant
936-435-8236
Julie A. Smith
CN Program Specialist, SNP/SSO
936-435-8238
Cindy Scott
CN Program Specialist, SNP/SSO
936-435-8234
Dina Herrick
CN Program Specialist, CACFP/SFSP
936-435-8244
See squaremeals.org for updated guidance.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider. This program is funded by the USDA.
August 18, 2023