FRESH TRAYS

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FRESH TRAYS

Training for Child Nutrition Operators

This training offers guidance on how schools and centers can procure local foods for meal programs. It covers the procurement process for child nutrition programs, including planning, selecting procurement methods, and developing solicitations. The training also addresses proposals, contract management, documenting informal procurements, and ensuring compliance with regulations.

More info coming soon!

Training for Producers

Texas producers are invited to attend a statewide training series designed to help you confidently enter and thrive in school food markets – bringing more fresh, local foods to kids across Texas. Hosted by AgriLife, in partnership with TDA, this training program is part of a USDA state formula grant aimed at increasing the capacity of participating institutions to procure and use local foods in nutrition program meals, strengthening Farm to School connections across the state.

This training will walk producers through procurement basics, selling strategies, food safety considerations, and real-life examples of how to successfully partner with schools. The training will take place through Summer 2026 with multiple opportunities to attend in the region that works best for you. Eligible producers who complete the program will receive a stipend of up to $250 and a Farm to School Ready certificate in recognition of their completion of the program.

Each event is followed by a dedicated Networking session where producers and school nutrition professionals can connect, explore partnership ideas, and spark new Farm to School opportunities.

Want to learn more and find upcoming training events? Check out AgriLife’s website here.

Farm Fresh Student Engagement Grant

Request for Grant Applications

The application deadline has been extended until December 18, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. CT!

The Texas Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Division is currently accepting applications for the Farm Fresh Student Engagement Grant. Schools in the National School Lunch Program can submit proposals for using grant funds to engage students in learning about local foods and Texas agriculture. Eligible activities align with TDA’s Farm Fresh Initiative and fall under the following three categories:

Agricultural education
Local producer connections
Edible gardens

Applications must be submitted by December 18, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. CT through TDA GO. You can find detailed eligibility requirements, funding parameters, and application instructions in the official Request for Grant Applications (RFGA) here.

Applicants are encouraged to review the RFGA carefully and watch the recorded webinar before applying. View the recording here.

Click Here for Application Details!

Do you plan on applying? Go ahead and create an account now to get started. Follow the instructions here to set up your account in TDA GO.

NOTE: The initial registration for the organization must be completed by an Authorized Official (AO) for the organization. Once registered, the AO can designate access to the organizational account for additional staff members as they deem appropriate.

Assistance available in English and Spanish. Please call 877-TEX-MEAL (877-839-6325) for help. Additional translations services available as well.

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

1. Mail:

U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or

2. Fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or

3. Email: program.intake@usda.gov.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

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