Texas Ag Commissioner Miller Provides Agency’s 2024 Accomplishments
A 2024 Year in Review for the Texas Department of Agriculture
January 24, 2025 – AUSTIN – Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller kicks off the new year with his signature Texas charm and a tip of his hat, welcoming 2025 with optimism and gratitude. After a year of hard-fought achievements in 2024, the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) stands ready to embrace new opportunities, building on its successes to keep Texas at the forefront of agriculture.
“Our accomplishments are a testament to the dedication and grit of TDA’s outstanding team,” said Commissioner Miller. “Thanks to their hard work, Texas agriculture remains the gold standard for how government agencies should serve their people and how they need to be run.”
This year, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and the Texas Department of Agriculture achieved several significant accomplishments.
These key 2024 accomplishments include:
- Texas Panhandle Wildfires: Commissioner Miller led national efforts to aid Texas farmers and ranchers devastated by the largest agricultural disaster in Texas history, the historic wildfires in the Texas Panhandle.
- Texas Dairy H5N1 Avian Flu Outbreak: Commissioner Miller reinforced confidence in dairy milk pasteurization amid an unprecedented H5N1 outbreak in the Texas Panhandle and communicated the impacts of the outbreak and measures to prohibit spread.
- Water Crisis Awareness: Commissioner Miller’s Op-Ed and several media appearances brought national attention to Texas’ ongoing water crisis, igniting a renewed conversation across the state about the importance of water conservation.
- Executive Order on Rio Grande Water Use: Commissioner Miller issued an executive order allowing Texas farmers and ranchers to use Rio Grande water for irrigation. This led to an amendment in the international water agreement with Mexico, providing much-needed relief to border counties.
- Helped Eradicate Red Flour Beetle Infestations: Commissioner Miller provided ongoing aid for both Hockley County and El Paso County during their severe red flour beetle infestations, which led to their eradication.
- Disaster Relief Fundraising: Commissioner Miller revitalized the State of Texas Agriculture Relief (STAR) Fund by successfully seeking fresh donations. The fund was replenished with $1.3 million without using taxpayer dollars in time to assist Texas farmers and ranchers in several natural disasters in 2024.
- Advocacy Against Federal Overreach: Commissioner Miller continued his mission to defend rural farmers and ranchers against federal overreach by vocally criticizing the proposed rule to list the monarch butterfly as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act and the proposed expansion of the Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge.
- Severe Weather Response: Commissioner Miller addressed the state and agriculture community with critical information and helpful tips for navigating a historic year of severe weather in Texas. From the deep freeze early in the year, Houston’s severe derecho, Hurricane Beryl, and severe flooding throughout Texas, Miller shared effective measures to limit the impact of the disasters on homes, crops, and livestock.
AgriStress Helpline
Concerned about the increasingly high rates of suicide among farmers, Commissioner Miller established the AgriStress Helpline, a 24/7 support service operated by agriculture-aware personnel that offers support to struggling individuals. TDA continues to take an active role in promoting rural mental health awareness.
- The helpline has successfully intervened in over 250 cases.
- TDA launched the new Texas Peace of Mind campaign to promote the Helpline at the State Fair of Texas.
- TDA placed six billboards throughout the state and mailed over 103,000 postcards to producer homes.
Food and Nutrition
Commissioner Miller has positioned Texas as a leader in federal nutrition programs like the National School Lunch Program and Summer Meal Programs. His nearly decade-old Farm Fresh Initiative continues to strengthen ties between children and local agriculture.
- Federal Funding: TDA administered over $3 billion to provide healthy meals for Texans.
- Farm Fresh Challenge: 127 schools were recognized for serving Texas products and promoting agriculture. Spending on Texas products increased from $13.9 million in 2023 to $18.8 million in 2024, with a 76% completion rate.
- Farm Fresh Network: 90 producers were added, bringing the membership to 221. This network fosters connections between schools and local agriculture.
- Local Food Success: Texas schools spent $257.8 million on local foods in 2022-2023, a 70.2% increase from 2019, with rising farm-to-school participation and student fruit and vegetable consumption.
- Local Food Grants: TDA administered $22 million to increase Texas-grown products in school meals, supporting regional producers.
- Summer Meal Excellence: Texas led the nation for the third year with 38 USDA Turnip the Beet awards for high-quality summer meals.
- New Initiatives: TDA launched Texas Fruit and Vegetable Day and expanded the Health Ambassadors for a Ready Texas (HART) program to 85 high school students, promoting health and agriculture awareness on campuses statewide.
Global Marketing
From growing Texas agricultural businesses to moving Texas products worldwide, TDA works to promote the bounty of the Lone Star State at home and abroad.
- Over the past year, TDA’s international trade team traveled to Africa, Australia, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Europe, Dubai, Germany, Romania, South Korea, Thailand, France, and Mexico on outbound trade missions, opening new markets for Texas exporters and generating millions in revenue for farmers, ranchers, and businesses.
- Through partnerships with groups like the Southern U.S. Trade Association, TDA has supported the expansion of small- to mid-size agriculture businesses globally.
- Commissioner Miller remains committed to showcasing Texas’ strength in the global marketplace, promoting exports ranging from airplanes to barbecue.
Domestic Marketing
In addition to TDA’s outbound trade missions, TDA diligently worked to promote Texas products within the United States.
- Local organic producers in produce, grains, dairy, and fiber markets received targeted promotion, expanding their reach and visibility.
- Texas’ thriving wine industry saw a spotlight moment with the 2024 Vintners Cup, featuring 223 wine submissions. The top 12 winners were celebrated in a 10-page Texas Monthly spread and honored with Belt Buckle awards during the GO TEXAN Pavilion Preview Night, showcasing the best of Texas winemaking.
GO TEXAN
For twenty-five years, TDA’s GO TEXAN program has showcased products and businesses made in the Lone Star State, and 2024 was no exception.
- GO TEXAN celebrated its 25th birthday, full of monthly giveaways and an online GO TEXAN Birthday Catalogue to shop GO TEXAN partners.
- Throughout the year, GO TEXAN hosted numerous buyer meetings with retailers.
- GO TEXAN worked closely with major grocery chain partners, including H-E-B, to promote Texas products on their shelves through programs like Texas Quest for the Best.
- Now, shopping locally has never been easier. The online GO TEXAN market gives consumers access to the best products Texas makers have to offer. GO TEXAN also added a retailer log-in to shop.gotexan.org for wholesale inquiries.
State Fair of Texas
The GO TEXAN Pavilion celebrated a record-breaking year of profits at the 2024 State Fair of Texas.
- The GO TEXAN Pavilion, presented by Southwest Dairy Farmers, achieved record-breaking success at the State Fair of Texas, with over $1.1 million in gross sales during just 24 days for GO TEXAN partners—the highest in its history.
- The Pioneer Brand General Store highlighted various Texas-made products, offering fairgoers the chance to shop locally and support Texas businesses.
- TDA’s marketing division debuted the first-ever daily whiskey hour in the Pavilion, accompanied by a spinoff podcast, GO TEXAN Explores: The Texas Whiskey Trail, celebrating the state’s booming spirits industry.
- TDA’s Food and Nutrition Division also significantly impacted the fair. Staffed by more than 50 team members from Food and Nutrition Education Service Centers, their booth distributed 8,904 Texas apples, 24,000 seed packets, and 7,310 seasonality wheels, promoting healthy eating and Texas agriculture to thousands of fairgoers.
Consumer Protection
In 2024, the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Consumer Protection division ensured fairness and safety for producers and consumers statewide. Upholding transparency and accountability protected consumer trust while supporting Texas producers in delivering high-quality goods and services.
Consumer Protection
- Weights and Measures conducted 41,253 device inspections, ensuring accuracy and fairness in the marketplace.
- Price Verification and Package Inspections totaled 2,571, safeguarding consumer interests.
- Egg Inspections reached 2,158, maintaining high standards for quality and safety.
- The Metrology Lab calibrated 23,707 artifacts, supporting precision in measurements across industries.
- The Metrology Lab also earned its first-ever accreditation from the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) for Echelon III, with preliminary accreditation for Echelon II.
- Licensing processed 78,243 licenses and numerous change forms, insurance documents, and other essential paperwork.
Biosecurity Enforcement
The Texas Department of Agriculture’s Biosecurity Road Stations have made remarkable progress in inspections during FY24. Through funding provided by the legislature, they ensure compliance and safety in commodity transportation.
- Orange Road Station:
- 270% more trucks were monitored.
- 225% more trucks carrying regulated materials were inspected.
- 77% increase in violations recorded.
- Terrell/Mt. Pleasant Road Station:
- 128% more trucks were monitored.
- 115% more trucks carrying regulated materials were inspected.
- 271% increase in violations recorded.
Crop and Plant Industry Programs.
- Processed over 4,500 seed samples for analysis.
- Conducted 182 organic compliance inspections.
- Inspected 194,056 fruit fly traps.
Pesticide Programs
- Commissioner Miller held pesticide waste disposal events, collecting over 312,500 lbs. of poisonous, expired, unwanted, or unused pesticides.
- TDA conducted 4,846 Agricultural Pesticide Inspections.
- TDA’s Pesticide Lab conducted 5,920 analyses of pesticide residue.
- The agency oversaw 17,000 registered pesticides in Texas.
- TDA conducted over 1,200 Structural Pesticide inspections.
Organic Program
- Conducted 182 organic compliance inspections.
Texas Office of Produce Safety
TDA’s Texas Office of Produce Safety (TOPS) works with the FDA to shift food safety regulations from a reactive system that responds to a food-borne outbreak to a proactive one that prevents it. TOPS works to educate farms on the safe growing, harvesting, packing, and holding of fruits and vegetables grown for human consumption.
- Since the inception of the program in 2017, TOPS has worked with 5,508 farms and has conducted 239 inspections.
Livestock Export Facilities
TDA’s livestock export facilities are the gateways for exporting livestock from the United States. From cattle and horses to pigs and poultry, these facilities are tools to help get Texas livestock worldwide.
- TDA livestock export facilities processed over 283,000 head of livestock this year.
Grant Programs and Financial Assistance
Commissioner Miller made personalized grant award phone calls to nearly 850 grant recipients in 2024. The following are highlights of what TDA awarded:
- Grants for Home-Delivered Meal organizations.
- Specialty Crop Block Program grants to promote Texas specialty crops.
- 28 grants supporting young farmers through the Young Farmer Grant Program.
- 144 Community Development Block Grant grants were made to 139 unique communities for water, wastewater, street, and drainage infrastructure projects, pedestrian infrastructure, including sidewalks and lighting in downtown areas for rural communities, and fire protection equipment and facilities.
State Office of Rural Health
Dedicated to serving the health needs of rural Texas, TDA’s State Office of Rural Health (SORH) staff work with local healthcare providers and other partners to support access to quality health care for rural Texans.
- SORH staff conducted site visits to rural Texas hospitals and in-person quality improvement boot camps for Chief Nursing Officers, leadership, and frontline staff.
- SORH continued its efforts to provide financial and operational technical assistance to the 366 Rural Health Clinics (RHC) in Texas.
- In 2024, TDA and SORH were able to grant funds for the following:
- 115 rural hospitals through the Small Rural Hospital Investment Program.
- 34 rural hospitals use the Capital Improvement Program for equipment or construction projects.
- Rural hospitals across the state to improve broadband capabilities.
Policy, Communications, and External Relations
In 2024, the Texas Department of Agriculture substantially impacted Texas agriculture through legislative leadership, crisis management, and effective communication.
Policy & External Relations
- The legislative team built strong connections with state counterparts and the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, advancing farm bill priorities and collaborating on industry issues.
- HB 3323 created the Texas Food System Security and Resiliency Planning Council, which is led by TDA and made up of members appointed by Commissioner Miller and Governor Abbott. The council met four times in 2024 and began developing a state food system security plan.
Communications
- This year, Communications released 64 public statements, a staggering 200% increase over 2023.
- Agency social media impressions soared past 4.5 million, doubling the previous year’s total.
- News mentions of Commissioner Miller and the Texas Department of Agriculture rose 111%, totaling 14.1K mentions—an average of 42 mentions per day.
- This achievement made TDA the most-mentioned state agency in Texas in 2024.
- Commissioner Miller ranked in the top 5 for media mentions among Texas elected officials in 2024.
- The 50th anniversary of the Family Land Heritage program was celebrated, honoring families who have kept land in agricultural production for a century or more.
Information Technology
- The IT team developed and launched a chatbot on the public-facing website. The bot provides after-hours and weekend support for user inquiries and earned recognition for Innovation at the Texas Digital Summit.
- The team successfully created 47+ security and role-based user stories for the high-priority Texas Automated Nutrition System (TANS) project, playing a key role in its successful launch.
- IT documented and cross-trained on mission-critical production support processes, mitigating risk and ensuring uninterrupted agency operations.
- The department handled over 9,500 service desk tickets, maintaining smooth day-to-day operations.
- Throughout the year, IT worked diligently to mitigate cyberattacks and disruptions, including the global CrowdStrike outage, by mobilizing quickly and effectively and responding to Incidents, minimizing the impact on TDA.
- IT thwarted three cyberattacks from international threat actors, ensuring the security of TDA’s digital infrastructure.
Operations and Emergency Management
Electronic Fleet Mileage Use Reports
- Operational Support Fleet Management worked with Samsara GPS representatives and TDA Information Technology to bring the latest technology into our TDA fleet this year. This device allows for an accurate and efficient electronic recording and reporting of information to the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts monthly.
Legal
In 2024, the Texas Department of Agriculture demonstrated its commitment to transparency, accountability, and enforcement through several key accomplishments.
- The department efficiently managed 564 Public Information Requests.
- Additionally, it processed 142 subpoenas and issued 960 violations, underscoring its dedication to upholding regulations and ensuring compliance across Texas.
“Texas Agriculture touches the lives of Americans every day,” Commissioner Miller said. “We have accomplished a lot in the last year but aren’t done yet! Here’s to a prosperous 2025. May God bless you, your families, and the great State of Texas.”
For the PDF version of this report, please follow this link.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott Calls on Congress to Repay Border Defense Costs
January 24, 2025 – Texas Governor Greg Abbott has formally called on the U.S. Congress to provide reimbursement for the substantial expenses Texas has incurred in addressing the ongoing border crisis. Abbott has argued that Texas has taken extraordinary measures to secure the border in the absence of sufficient federal action. These measures include deploying the Texas National Guard and Department of Public Safety officers, constructing physical barriers, and implementing operations aimed at curbing illegal immigration and drug trafficking. Abbott contends that these efforts, while essential, have placed an immense financial strain on the state’s budget.
“President Biden’s policies left Texas and the rest of America defenseless against an unprecedented infiltration of violent criminals, known terrorists, and other hostile foreign actors, like the dangerous Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua,” reads the letters. “I launched Operation Lone Star (OLS) to combat these threats to all Americans. Over the past four years, OLS efforts successfully reduced illegal immigration into Texas by 87%, demonstrated the ongoing effectiveness of President Donald Trump’s border measures, and shone a spotlight on a national crisis. In total, Texas has spent over $11.1 billion to protect the nation and secure the border. Accordingly, I am formally requesting that the federal government reimburse Texas for these costs in full.”
Governor Abbott asserts that securing the border is primarily a federal responsibility under the Constitution. However, given the perceived inaction of federal authorities, Texas has had to act independently to safeguard its residents and uphold national security. Abbott’s request emphasizes that these expenditures have not only benefited Texas but also served to protect other states from the ripple effects of unchecked illegal immigration, such as the spread of illicit drugs and human trafficking.
The governor has highlighted that Texas taxpayers have borne billions of dollars in costs to address what he describes as a federally created crisis. He has urged Congress to allocate funds specifically to reimburse the state, arguing that it is both a matter of fairness and a practical necessity to ensure the sustainability of Texas’s border security operations.
Abbott’s appeal comes amidst growing political tensions over immigration policies, with Republicans and Democrats divided over the best approach to manage the border. While some lawmakers agree with Abbott’s call for federal reimbursement, others criticize his administration’s policies, questioning their effectiveness and humanitarian impact. The debate underscores the broader national challenges in achieving bipartisan solutions to immigration and border security.
A Great Man was Honored January 20th and Here is KSST’s Coverage
January 24, 2025 – Martin Luther King was honored January 20, 2025 with The 35th Annual Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Awards Ceremony at Morning Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Sulphur Springs, Texas. Dr. H. B. Nash is the Pastor. Brother Danny Hynson served as Master of Ceremonies. The event highlighted Dr. King’s importance and the significance of his Dream and what it means to everyone, even still today. The ceremony recognized individuals of the community who stand as examples to Martin Luther King’s Dream and vision of a better world. Categories recognized this January 20th include Bank of the Year, Nonprofit of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Educator of the Year, Woman of the Year, and Man of the Year. Check out KSST’s coverage of this special ceremony below.
Weekly Senior Center Activities with Meal A Day Menu
January 23, 2025 – Check out what the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Activity Center has in store for the community this week, this month, and upcoming months! This post also includes the Meal A Day Menu for January 27th, 2025 through January 31st, 2025.
Postal Service to Sell Newly Redesigned Money Orders
Redesign Enhances Current Security Features
January 23, 2025 – WASHINGTON, DC— The U.S. Postal Service is introducing a new, redesigned money order.
The new design will enhance already strong security features to further deter counterfeiting and other fraudulent activities. It will be released in February 2025.
The current, or “legacy,” postal money order will be sold until stock is depleted. The newly designed money order features a new bank routing number and is red, white and blue in color. It will be phased into public circulation and will eventually be available at all Post Office locations. Both designs will continue to be accepted at postal retail units and financial institutions as trusted forms of payment.
Additional information is available on the Sending Money Orders page on usps.com.
Security features
While the Postal Service cannot disclose every new security element, watermarks, a security thread and a Quick Response (QR) code that directs to the USPS website are some of the new features of the enhanced money order.
The public can rest assured that USPS money orders are among the most secure financial instruments in the world.
Additional information on money-order verification is available at usps.com on the Sending Money Orders page under “Receiving Money Orders — How to Spot a Fake.”
Suspect a fake?
If a customer suspects fraud, they should call the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 1-877-876-2455. If a customer believes that they have been given a fake money order, they should call the Money Order Verification System at 1-866-459-7822 or Check Money Order Status via usps.com.
Will Public School Teachers Soon Wear Body Cameras ?
January 23, 2025 – The idea of school teachers wearing body cameras, similar to police officers, is a controversial and thought-provoking topic. Advocates argue that body cameras could enhance accountability, transparency, and safety within educational environments. Cameras could serve as an impartial record of interactions between teachers, students, and even parents, potentially deterring inappropriate behavior or false accusations on all sides. This could help resolve disputes or allegations by providing clear evidence of what transpired, fostering trust among all stakeholders.
Body cameras could also serve as a tool for professional development. Teachers could review footage to reflect on their classroom management and instructional strategies, identifying areas for improvement. Additionally, administrators could use recordings to provide constructive feedback, ultimately enhancing the quality of education.
However, there are significant concerns about privacy, practicality, and trust. Constant surveillance could create a culture of mistrust, where both teachers and students feel they are being monitored rather than supported. This might stifle creativity and openness in the classroom, as students may feel hesitant to express themselves freely, knowing they are being recorded. Teachers, too, could feel their autonomy and professionalism undermined by constant scrutiny.
Moreover, implementing such a policy raises logistical and ethical questions. Managing and securely storing vast amounts of footage would require significant resources and raise concerns about data breaches or misuse of recordings. There are also ethical considerations about recording minors, which could conflict with privacy laws and parental consent requirements.
In conclusion, while the idea of equipping teachers with body cameras has potential benefits, it also presents substantial challenges that must be carefully weighed. Policymakers, educators, and communities must engage in open dialogue to assess whether this approach aligns with the values and goals of education, balancing accountability with respect for privacy and trust.
More Suspects Caught Up in Cattle Theft
January 22, 2025 – Two more suspects will be spending the night in the Hopkins County Jail as two suspects have bonded out of jail in a local cattle theft case.
As the plot thickens on the theft of almost 100 head of cattle, so far, Gabriel Gomez, age 20, and Jeremy Gomez, age 19, are the latest suspects facing theft charges in the cattle case stemming from an investigation on Farm-to-Market Road 3236. The investigation now reveals a total of 95 head of cattle were possibly stolen as 15 head have been recovered and documentation of 80 head of cattle being sold at nearby cattle sales and to individuals outside of Hopkins County.
The search is ongoing as investigators look to return the missing cattle to their home pastures.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Suspected Cattle Rustlers Rounded Up in Hopkins County
January 22, 2025 – Local investigators rounded up two individuals so far suspected of heading up cattle that were not their property and moving them on up to Delta County to be sold. The investigation started with a report from a rancher on FM 3236 in Hopkins County on January 18th of this year that cattle were missing from the property. Texas Cattle Rancher investigators got involved and soon tracked the missing livestock to Delta County. Several individuals associated with the wayward herd were asked to come in for questioning and were informed of their rights, given a Miranda Warning, and interrogated about the cattle crossing county lines.
Two suspects quickly confessed, admitting to poaching the unsuspecting cattle and transporting them to Delta County to be sold. The two 19-year-old suspects, Ricardo Munoz, and Adrian Barajas have each been charged with a second degree felony listed as “Theft of Livestock – Elderly.” Both suspects remain in the Hopkins County Jail awaiting their bond to be set in the matter.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Scammers Exploit Unregulated Bitcoin ATMs, Costing Texans Millions
January 22, 2025 – Unregulated Bitcoin ATMs have become a lucrative tool for scammers, enabling them to steal millions from unsuspecting Texans. An estimated 4000 of these machines in Texas, designed to simplify cryptocurrency transactions, are increasingly being exploited due to their lack of oversight and anonymity. Unlike traditional banking systems, Bitcoin ATMs allow users to deposit cash in exchange for Bitcoin, which is sent directly to a provided wallet address. Scammers manipulate this process by coercing victims into sending funds under false pretenses.
Common scams include fraudulent IRS claims, utility bill threats, and fake tech support calls. Victims, often under duress, are instructed to withdraw cash and deposit it into Bitcoin ATMs, believing they are resolving critical issues. Once the Bitcoin is sent, it becomes virtually untraceable, making recovery impossible.
The absence of stringent regulations around Bitcoin ATMs compounds the problem. Many machines lack adequate Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols, enabling scammers to operate without scrutiny. This regulatory gap provides a fertile ground for criminal activities, particularly in states like Texas, where cryptocurrency usage is widespread.
Law enforcement and consumer protection agencies are sounding the alarm. The Texas Department of Banking and local law enforcement have urged residents to be cautious, educating the public on how to identify scams and avoid falling prey to such schemes. However, the growing prevalence of these incidents highlights the urgent need for stronger regulations.
Implementing stricter oversight, mandating KYC protocols, and requiring licensing for Bitcoin ATM operators could help curb misuse. Until such measures are in place, Texans and others using these machines must remain vigilant, understanding that legitimate organizations will never demand payments via Bitcoin ATMs. Awareness and proactive regulatory action are essential to combating this alarming trend.
Ag Commissioner Sid Miller Invites Eligible Nonprofits to Apply for Summer Nutrition Programs
Approved agencies and organizations will be reimbursed with federal funds for feeding Texas children during the summer break
January 22, 2025 – AUSTIN – Today, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller announced the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) is accepting sponsor applications for its 2025 Summer Meal Programs. These programs connect eligible organizations with federal funds to sponsor meal sites that serve healthy meals for Texas children 18 years old and younger when school cafeterias are closed for summer.
“Every year, TDA partners with schools, cities, churches, and other organizations to ensure kids who may not always get enough to eat have meals and snacks during the summer,” Commissioner Miller said. “In partnership with TDA, these sponsors provide the good nutrition kids need to enjoy an active summer that readies them for success when the new academic year begins.”
TDA works to address childhood hunger during the summer by partnering with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to administer two federally funded Summer Meal Programs. The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides schools, nonprofit summer camps, governmental entities, and other nonprofit organizations with the opportunity to serve meals to children across Texas. Schools operating the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) have the option of participating in the Seamless Summer Option (SSO) or SFSP, allowing them to continue meal service after the academic year ends.
TDA is seeking to partner with sponsoring organizations to serve meals across the state in areas of need, including rural areas, areas with a concentration of migrant workers, and areas where more than 50 percent of children are eligible for free or reduced-price NSLP meals. In 2025, TDA aims to reach children in rural areas who haven’t previously participated in Summer Meal Programs due to transportation barriers by allowing eligible sponsors in those areas to apply to distribute nutritious meals outside of the typically required group settings and meal service times.
Meals will be provided to individuals aged 18 and under without charge. Adults over the age of 18 are eligible for summer meals if they are determined by a state educational agency or local public educational agency to have a mental or physical disability and who participate in a public or nonprofit private school program established for people with mental or physical disabilities.
All meal sites must be sponsored by an organization that has a contract with TDA and has taken TDA-provided training. Approved SSO and SFSP sponsors, operating in accordance with federal and state regulations, will be reimbursed for meals served to children. Schools applying to operate SSO use the NSLP New Applicants page on SquareMeals.org, and sponsors applying to operate SFSP use the SFSP New Applicants page on SquareMeals.org.
The SFSP application deadline for new sponsors and those requiring a more thorough review is April 15, 2025. All other returning SFSP sponsors must apply by May 1, 2025. The deadline for all SSO applications is May 31, 2025. TDA will provide guidance to sponsors currently operating and those who plan to apply to operate one of the summer nutrition programs as soon as more information is available.
For more information about TDA’s Summer Meal Programs and its other nutrition programs, please visit SquareMeals.org.
