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The following information is provided to keep you informed of any changes in policies and procedures and of new communication originating from the state office this month.
Priority Information
Rebidding FSMC Contracts to Comply with New Nutrition Standards
According to the new final rule updating the meal patterns and nutrition standards in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs, which goes into effect on July 1, all program participants must use a food-based menu planning system. Based on the rule, TDA informed ESCs and Contracting Entities (CEs) on February 1 that districts contracting with Food Service Management Companies (FSMCs) using nutrient-standard menu planning system would have to rebid those contracts for a food-based system in order to be in compliance on July 1.
Since that time, TDA received additional information from USDA Regional Office stating that USDA is still reviewing the FSMC requirement to rebid. CEs may rebid but are not required to do so at this time. However, if USDA issues guidance requiring all FSMCs who use a meal pattern other than food based to rebid, they must comply. We expect guidance from USDA shortly and we will share it with you as soon as it is available. All CEs must begin to use food based menu planning by the July 1, 2012, deadline.
TX-UNPS Food Distribution Program Update
Only fruits and vegetables are due in the Annual Survey by February 29. Due dates for poultry and meats will be announced later. CEs may estimate processing dollars in the FDP Contract Packet CE Update screen. CEs must contact TDA to have contract packets returned in order to enter or adjust processing dollars, as needed. Requests for contract packet returns can be sent to CommodityOperations@TexasAgriculture.gov.
Policy Updates
SP 13-2012: Verification for Cause in the School Meals Programs
Recently, concerns have been raised about school district employees allegedly misrepresenting their incomes on applications to receive free or reduced price school meals for their children. As a result, FNS has been asked if a local education agency (LEA) may use the salary information of their own employees, maintained for business purposes, as a tool to implement verification for cause and help ensure the integrity of free and reduced price certifications. The attached memorandum, SP 13-2012: Verification for Cause in the School Meals Programs, clarifies the use of verification for cause by LEAs in this manner.
Exceptions to the Buy American Provision
The Q&A memo regarding SP 20-2006, the Buy American Provision, have been revised. That revision, SP 14-2012: Procurement Questions Relevant to the Buy American Provision, is attached. Please note the revised answer to Question 3, which explains the two rare exceptions which may permit purchase of a foreign food product. This memo supersedes SP 20-2006.
HUSSC News
The Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation and Discovery Education are proud to support the USDA´s HealthierUS Schools Challenge by providing powerful rewards and incentives to schools striving to reach higher levels of certification. Participating schools can enter for a chance to win up to $10,000 in additional funding. Learn more at http://energybalance101.com/be-involved/hussc-support/.
Summer Webinar
Join the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to learn more about how you can help feed children next summer and hear the benefits to being a part of the Summer Food Service Program.
These webinar sessions are designed to provide a high level overview of the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). Following the overview of the SFSP, the session will cover resources and tools available to help get started with the SFSP, successful outreach practices and tips, next steps and how to get involved, and then the session will open for questions and answers with USDA FNS staff. All sessions will cover the same information.
These sessions will be available via Microsoft Office LiveMeeting (Webinar) and are free for all participants. You will need access to a phone line and a computer with internet access for this webinar.
USDA FNS 2012 Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) Introductory Webinar
General public sessions will be held on the following dates:
Please follow this link to participate: http://vovici.com/wsb.dll/s/17fb9g4d8da
All sessions will be recorded and posted online and on-demand soon following the completion of the webinar. All sessions will be posted on the USDA FNS Summer Food Service Program website: www.summerfood.usda.gov.