TDA News and Guidance for School Food Authorities

July 30, 2015

This information is to keep you informed of any changes in policies and procedures and of new communication originating from the state office this month.

Table of Contents

  • SFA Priority
  • Direct Certification
  • New PowerPoint
  • Policy
  • OVS Manual
  • Revised Memo for Smoothies
  • Professional Standards
  • Farm to School News
  • Local Products Challenge
  • Spotlights for Farm to Site
  • Farm to Summer Site
  • Farm to Cafeteria Conference
  • Subscribe to Newsletter
  • HUSSC:SL
  • Two Awards

SFA Priority Information

Direct Certification Load Date Changing

TDA is in the process of changing the load date for the Direct Certification database from the 25th of the month to the 5th of the month and we are asking that CEs not access the Direct Certification system between July 24th and August 6th. The new data for August was loaded July 24th, but more data will be loaded on August 5th. Both batches of data are for matches for August eligibility. We will combine both batches for one big August list, but we can't do this until August 5th. If a CE downloads the State Match list or does a CE match between July 24th and August 5th, they will not be getting the complete report.Also, a potential problem in loading the data in POS systems is resulting in the request that CEs not access the Direct Certification system between July 24th and August 6th.

We regret any inconvenience while we are making these improvements to the system.

Policy

USDA Releases New OVS Manual

Offer versus Serve (OVS) is a provision in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) that allows students to decline some of the food offered. The goals of OVS are to reduce food waste in the school meals programs while permitting students to decline foods they do not intend to eat. Attached is the updated guidance manual for operators using OVS, which is optional at all grade levels for breakfast and required at the senior high school level only for lunch.This guidance is intended to clarify the requirements of OVS, specifically related to what students must take in order to have a reimbursable meal.

Revised Memo Clarifies Use of Smoothies

SP10_CACFP05_SFSP10-2014v3s - Smoothies Offered in Child Nutrition Programs-Revised-July 22, 2015—is the third version of a memo that clarifies that vegetables and yogurt used in smoothies may credit towards meeting the snack meal pattern requirements.As fruit, vegetable, milk, and yogurt smoothies are an increasingly common food item in the Child Nutrition Programs (CNP), the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has modified the guidance on smoothies to allow for the crediting of vegetables and yogurt in smoothies at any meal or snack offered through the CNPs, including supper for the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). These additional ingredients provide variety to program operators seeking to include appealing and nutritious smoothies on their menus. This memorandum replaces previous guidance on smoothies.

Farm to School News

2015 Local Products Challenge
Celebrate Texas Agriculture and Local Products in Schools with Farm Fresh Fridays and the Local Products Challenge!

Farm to school activities like Farm Fresh Fridays provide a solid foundation for establishing lifelong healthy habits, promoting student health and strengthening local economies. Farm Fresh Fridays offers a new and exciting way to engage young minds and help students develop strong, sustainable connections to local food, farmers and ranchers. Plus, it adds local flavor to school menus and teaches students about Texas agriculture when they enjoy local products in school meals. Each year, TDA challenges schools to use more Texas products in cafeteria meals, with the Local Products Challenge and recognizes participants that complete the challenge.

Go here to take the Local Products Challenge!

TDA will Spotlight Farm to Site Activities
TDA is looking to learn how Summer Food Service Program and Seamless Summer Option sponsors and sites are incorporating farm to site activities. If you are aware of a program participant that is purchasing local products or providing enrichment activities with a nutrition, local food, or agriculture tie, please send an email to Alyssa Herold at .

2016 National Farm to Cafeteria Conference Announcement

The 2016 National Farm to Cafeteria Conference will be hosted in Madison, WI, June 2- 4 next year! This conference is the perfect opportunity to connect with others working on farm to school, child and summer activities from around the nation. There will be field trips, short course, workshops and other opportunities to learn, connect and share in farm to school inspiration. More information to come, and in the meantime, please mark your calendars and save the dates! Learn more about previous conferences here.

Subscribe to Farm to School E-Harvest

A new E-Harvest Newsletter will be delivered on Thursday, April 16. The newsletter provides a monthly update on farm to school and includes resources such as funding opportunities, a schedule of upcoming trainings and webinars, and more. Archive issues of the E-Harvest are available here. Subscribe today!

HUSSC:SL

Two Awards — Less Paperwork

The Alliance for a Healthier Generation’s Healthy Schools Program (HSP) and the USDA’s HealthierUS School Challenge: Smarter Lunchrooms (HUSSC: SL) are working together to help schools earn two awards with a streamlined approach that eliminates some of the paperwork. To learn more about the new way to earn HUSSC:SL and HSP recognition and how these two awards work together, click on the links below.

HealthierUS School Challenge: Smarter Lunchrooms

Healthy Schools Program