Reminders from Region 4 CN

• The current rate of assistance published by USDA is $0.45 per meal. The rate of assistance will be updated this month by USDA to reflect the final adjustments anticipated for program year 2026.

• All WBSCM logins will use Login.gov credentials, as the eAuth User ID is no longer valid

3. If you opted into the DoD Fresh Fruit and Vegetables program you will also see your allocation set aside that will be loaded into FFAVORS for school year 2026 at the beginning of the program year.

1. Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) Reporting for School Year 2024-2025 begins in TX-UNPS on March 1!
2. Prepare now by reviewing the timeline, requirements, and tips here

1. 2025 Annual NSLP Financial Report (FY2023- 24 Data) is now open and due by March 28, 2025. This report must be completed by all Contracting Entities (CEs) who participate in the NSLP, School Breakfast Programs (SBP), or At-Risk CACFP programs.
2. The 2025 Annual NSLP Financial Report must be submitted via the following JotForm link Here.
3. Resources and a webinar to assist you in completing the report are located at the following link Here

1. TDA has posted the new Ramadan Non-Congregate Feeding Waiver Request Form to TX-UNPS Download Forms (SNP-000 SNP Waiver Portal)
2. This waiver allows eligible operators in good standing to offer meals that participants in attendance and observing Ramadan can take off-site and consume after fasting.
3. Visit Squaremeals for more information here.

1. On Thursday, February 20, USDA’s Team Nutrition Initiative will present a Meal Talk webinar on Reducing Sodium in School Meals to meet the Final Rule, “Child Nutrition Programs: Meal Patterns Consistent with the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.”
2. Register here

1. Guidance and resources to manage USDA Foods inventory, including reports of received items and values of commodities received, are available here.

1. USDA issued a request for information on December 26, 2024, to obtain input to help inform future policymaking, guidance, and technical assistance related to grain-based desserts and high-protein yogurt crediting in Child Nutrition Programs (CNP). Public input may be submitted to USDA through March 26, 2025.
2. Additional information can be found at the USDA Food and Nutrition Service site here
3. Public comments may be submitted online here

This recorded webinar reviews the Buy American provision, including information related to new regulations, the recently published memo, Buy American Provisions Related to the Final Rule Titled, Child Nutrition Programs: Meal Patterns Consistent With the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and the optional Buy American exceptions tracker.

1. The Food Buying Guide (FBG) has been updated to reflect the Final Rule “Child Nutrition Programs: Meal Patterns Consistent With the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.”
2. Resources available here

1. Visit the USDA site here for information about upcoming changes.
2. Survey – USDA Resources and Support needs

1. The Crediting in the Child Nutrition Program Tip Sheets have been updated to reflect the changes with the Final Rule, “Child Nutrition Programs: Meal Patterns Consistent With the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.”
2. Resources available here.

1. Program sponsors, ESC users, and TDA staff will administer nutrition programs through TANS, including management of applications, claims, monitoring and compliance, reporting and other administrative functions
2. Visit the TANS page here

1. Food and Nutrition created a consolidated webpage - Systems Hub - to assist entities in navigating to the pages more easily and quickly accessing TX-UNPS and WBSCM information, training, and the systems
2. Available at www.squaremeals.org/Systems

PREPARE

WBSCM Ordering Schedule

WBSCM Requisition Checklist

CHECKING YOUR ENTITLEMENT

Entitlement Bonus Summary Report
Entitlement Bonus Detail Report

PLACING YOUR REQUISITION

Create Requisition

Direct Delivery via Catalog

Processing Diversion Exceptions
Processing via Extended Search

• The information formerly located in the FDP Module’s Weekly Commodity Bulletin is now accessed through the Reports Module in WBSCM or warehouse tracking systems.
• See these one pagers: Weekly Commodity Bulletin Replacement and WBSCM Reports

Region 4's goal is to personally visit each contracting entity to experience your school nutrition programs (SNP) in action, celebrate your SNP accomplishments, and provide support in complying with SNP requirements. Please get in touch to schedule an in-person visit. If you have any questions or need technical assistance, please call or email Region 4 Child Nutrition Services.

✉️ ChildNutrition@esc4.net

☎️: 713.744.8162

🌐 www.esc4.net/nutrition