The Texas Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Division is committed to nourishing bodies and minds. Texans Bring IT! 3E’s of Healthy Living- Education, Exercise and Eating Right Campaign recognizes individual value, talent, responsibility and collaboration toward a healthier Texas.

Each of us has the opportunity to Bring IT to our Child Nutrition Programs every day. The Region One Education Service Center Child Nutrition Department partners with you in your efforts to Bring IT! The Texas Department of Agriculture has a specific management plan for each ESC in regards to training and technical assistance.

Training is defined as the process of employing formal instructional methods and techniques through lesson plans, trainers, mentors and / or instructional devices, for the purpose and intent of developing the competencies that enrich and enhance the performance level of CNP staff and strengthen or enhance activities that will improve program performance of the School Food Authority (SFA). Training efforts may be supported by workshops, academies, seminars, etc.

Technical assistance is the process of exchanging information and / or transferring technical data through an informal non-training setting for the purpose and intent of developing the competencies that enrich and enhance the performance level of CNP staff and strengthen or enhance activities that will improve program performance of the SFA. Technical assistance efforts may be supported by on-site visits, telephone calls, faxes, emails, etc. Technical assistance is not the actual performing of SFA responsibilities but rather providing information on how the SFA may properly discharge or carry out the responsibility.

Each participant attending training is encouraged to return to their district and share handouts and information with their co-workers in order to ensure a consistent message. Districts must understand that any information shared during trainings and/or technical assistance visits are recommendations for compliance with program requirements. Each district must ultimately make the decision of how, when, who, what, and where specific regulations will be implemented using their own district’s policies and procedures. The districts have the ultimate responsibility to have a fiscally responsible program that meets all TDA requirements.

We are here to help child nutrition professionals operate efficiently, effectively and within federal program rules. Region One ESC provides multiple channels of training, not only on program rules but sound financial practices and methods to make meals appealing and acceptable. These trainings are funded by TDA and are offered free of charge to school nutrition professionals. Travel to attend training events is an allowable use of the federal meal reimbursement your district receives from school cafeteria operations. Educators and business leaders agree that a well-trained individual has the capacity and skill to be efficient and productive. The trainings provided by TDA, through partnership with the ESCs, prepare staff to be in full compliance with applicable federal rules. Many rules if not adhered to result in disallowance of school meal revenue and in some instances these revenues must be replaced with monies from the general fund.

Congress reauthorized the Child Nutrition Programs in December with the passage of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids of Act of 2010. They instituted many new provisions slated to be implemented over the next few years that will have a major impact on your school nutrition environment. The federal government is raising accountability standards and consequences for non-compliance to these requirements are also increasing. Our ability to understand the changes that will impact our programs is essential for continued, successful operation of Child Nutrition Programs in our respective districts. We will diligently assist your staff in navigating these changes. Join us as we work together towards our mutual goal of providing healthy options to fight hunger and combat obesity in Texas Schools.

Region One Education Service Center 
Child Nutrition Program 

1900 West Schunior

Edinburg, Texas 78541 

(956) 984-6124 Phone

(956) 984-7637 Fax