Nourishing News

In observance of Labor Day, Region 6 ESC will be closed on Monday, September 2nd. We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, September 3rd.

Thank you for your understanding and support. Wishing you a safe and enjoyable holiday!

CACFP Application Packet Program Year now DEFAULTS to 2024-2025 (PY25)

• PY25 Renewal season has begun. Important due date to remember: August 15, 2024 if Tier 3 Renewal and/or if you are a Dual Sponsor; August 30, 2024 for Sponsoring organizations, a Tier 2 Renewal, and/or making significant changes to previously approved application packet; September 1, 2024 if you are an independent center and/or Tier 1 renewal. Please review more information on the Renewing CEs page on Squaremeals here.

The 2024-2025 reimbursement rates for the Child and Adult Care Food Program have been posted on the CACFP Reimbursement Rates page. Note that the cash-in-lieu value of USDA Foods (commodities) for July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025 is $0.30.

Per Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), Child and Adult Care Program Handbooks, Sections 2430 or 2530, organizations must submit a form of government issued identification for EACH principal of the organization. Beginning Program Year 2024-2025 (PY25), as part of the annual renewal application review, TDA will conduct an audit to determine if all principals listed in the application have a government issued ID on file.

Please review more information on Squaremeals.org on the Renewing CEs page under Documentation Submittal Guidance located here.

October is coming fast and the time to pledge to join TDA for the Farm Fresh Challenge is now. All NSLP and CACFP operators are encouraged to serve local foods, teach about local agriculture, and share their efforts on social media. We have new resources to help you achieve whichever tier you decide to strive for this year. Find the Success Guide, Word Games, new flashcards, and a tracking tool on Resources tab on SquareMeals. The pledge form will be open until October 30, but remember to pledge by September 13 to receive promotional materials like "We Serve Local" buttons for staff, "Locally Grown" clings for your serving line, or "I Tried Local" stickers for your students. Let's make 2024 the most successful Farm Fresh Challenge year ever! Pledge now!

The F&N team is making good progress on determining what system changes are needed in the Texas Automated Nutrition System (TANS) to support Texas' nutrition programs. Learn more about the journey here!

A new 2024-2025 WIC Information Flyer - English and Spanish has been published on the CACFP Administration/Forms SquareMeals page.

Non-congregate summer site sponsors need to complete the Non-Congregate Summer Site - Meal Service Report form for each non-congregate site and claim the month that was submitted and approved in TX-UNPS.
Contacts listed on the Non-Congregate Site Application will be emailed the link and information can be found on the Non-Congregate Summer Feeding page on SquareMeals.org.

Be nationally recognized for your summer meal program! Visit SquareMeals to view updated and new resources to assist with the award application process! Watch our overview video, view our Application Toolkit for application assistance, and explore our Summer Activity Toolkit of curated nutrition activities and resources!

The Association of State Public Health Nutritionists (ASPHN) created Vegetable and Fruit Snack menus to make it easier to plan and provide healthy snack options for children! Explore over a dozen culturally diverse snack menu options here.