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Nourishing News
April 2024
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CACFP Updates
Proposed Rule for Serious Deficiency Process in CACFP and SFSP
On February 21, 2024, USDA introduced a proposed rule that seeks to make the application of serious deficiency procedures in the Child and Adult Care Food Program and Summer Food Service Program more consistent, effective, and in line with current requirements under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act. USDA proposes to add clarity to the serious deficiency process by defining key terms, establishing a timeline for full correction, and establishing criteria for determining when the serious deficiency process must be implemented.
2024 Consolidated Appropriations Act's Impact on Child Nutrition Programs
On March 9, 2024, the 2024 Consolidated Appropriations Act was signed into law and provides new guidelines for School Nutrition Program sodium targets, service of low-fat flavored milk, vegetable substitutions in the School Breakfast Program, procurement of poultry from China, and NSLP Paid Lunch Equity requirements for School Year 2024-2025.
Farm Fresh Surveys Open Now
TDA has created a short (5–10 minutes) survey to support Farm Fresh programming. This year’s survey has been revamped to be less time consuming for CEs. It includes questions that will help determine what resources can be created to increase Farm Fresh activities. Respondents can remain anonymous. Please take a few minutes to complete the form here: Farm Fresh Survey ‘24
Revisions to WIC Food Package
USDA released a final rule that revises the WIC food packages. CACFP institutions (other than outside-school-hours care centers, at-risk afterschool care centers, emergency shelters, and adult day care centers) must ensure that parents of enrolled children are provided with current information on WIC.
REMINDER: ACTION REQUIRED – Validation of all Unaffiliated CACFP At-Risk Sites
This form must be submitted no later than June 30, 2024. On July 1, TDA will begin closing all unaffiliated At-Risk sites for which a form has not been submitted with an effective closing date of September 30. Please refer to the Sponsor Under a Sponsor FAQs for more information on this new process.
SFSP Updates
Order Summer Meal Programs Promotional Materials
The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) has developed no-cost materials you can use to promote the availability of summer meals that help Texas children ages 18 and younger as well as eligible people with disabilities access no-cost meals each summer. Please visit SquareMeals.org to order no-cost materials today! Also available are downloadable resources such as buttons and banners that can be used on websites and emails, and bookmarks and door hangers that can be printed out and distributed.
Rural Summer Non-Congregate Request Form and Resources Available April 5
TDA is releasing the Summer Non-Congregate Request Form, Non-Congregate Eligibility Map, and FAQs for eligible SFSP and SSO operators who want to serve non-congregate summer meals in rural areas this summer. You can find all of these resources, beginning April 5, on the Summer Non-Congregate Feeding Program page on the Summer Non-Congregate Feeding Program page on SquareMeals.
Interim Final Rule Comments for Rural NC Service Regulations
Although the regulations go into effect immediately they may be altered in the future based on comments received from Program operators, the general public, and State Agencies.
The Food and Nutrition Service, USDA, invites interested persons to submit written comments on this interim final rule no later than April 29, 2024. Comments may be submitted in writing by one of the following methods:
-- Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments.
-- Mail: Send comments to Community Meals Policy Division, USDA Food and Nutrition Service, 1320 Braddock Place, Alexandria, VA 22314.
Upcoming Training Opportunities
CACFP 101 Webinar-Basics of CN Labels & PFS
Explore best practices and valuable tips for effectively navigating Child Nutrition (CN) labels and Product Formulation Statements (PFS). Gain insight into deciphering these labels and how they can help you during food product selection and menu planning in the CACFP.
Tuesday, Apr 16, 2024, 02:00 PM
Zoom
CACFP Operational Check In- Meal Production Records
This is a quick, 30 minute over view of Meal Production Records.
The Agenda will include:
- The Advantages-Why we complete meal production records
- Identifying and Recording the Required Elements-What form and When
- Verifying MPR with Supporting Documentation prior to submitting claims
Wednesday, Apr 17, 2024, 11:30 AM
Zoom
CACFP Training on SquareMeals.org
CACFP Training on squaremeals.org has been updated. There are course options from TDA, links to ESC LIVE, and courses offered by The Institute of Child Nutrition (ICN). Visit https://squaremeals.org/FandN-Resources/Training/CACFP-Training for details.
Register for MegaCon 2024
Institute for Child Nutrition - Virtual Instructor-Led Training Sessions Now Open!
Register for Spring Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) sessions. Topics include preventing foodborne illness, Buy American, forecasting, infant meal pattern requirements, grain ounce equivalents, and more. Sessions fill quickly – Register today!
Resources
Huntsville, TX 77340
936-435-8244
This guidance is not considered all inclusive.
Please see www.squaremeals.org for further guidance.
Note: If TDA makes changes to the website, direct links in this announcement may become void.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider. This program is funded by USDA.