TX-UNPS and CACFP in Texas: Your Simple, Step-by-Step Guide to Getting It Right

What Is TX-UNPS — And Why Does It Matter for Your Texas CACFP Program?

If you’re a child care center, adult day care, or at-risk after-school program participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) in Texas, there’s one platform you’ll need to know well: TX-UNPS.

Texas Unified Nutrition Programs System (TX-UNPS) is a web-based platform designed to facilitate the management of federal child nutrition programs (including the CACFP) in Texas.

It offers a way for the state agency to stay in communication with centers regarding tasks like CACFP applications, claims filing, compliance monitoring, and communication.

📢 Important Update for Texas CACFP Providers: TX-UNPS Is Changing

Heads up! The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) is preparing to transition CACFP management from TX-UNPS to a new platform called TANS (Texas Agriculture Nutrition System). This change will affect how Texas CACFP providers submit applications, file claims, manage budgets, and communicate with TDA.

The tips in this guide reflect the current TX-UNPS system. As TANS rolls out, we’ll be updating our site with the latest tips to help you make the transition as smooth as possible.

Is TX-UNPS Overwhelming You? You’re Not Alone.

Let’s be honest — TX-UNPS has a learning curve. Between budget worksheets, application packets, license verification, and compliance requirements, it can feel like a full-time job on top of running your daycare.

The good news? You don’t have to figure it out alone.

At CACFP Solutions, we’ve spent over 30 years working inside and alongside CACFP programs in Texas. Our team — which includes former state agency professionals — knows TX-UNPS inside and out. We’ve helped hundreds of Texas child care providers navigate the system, avoid costly mistakes, and get their programs running smoothly.

Below, we’re sharing our top 10 TX-UNPS tips so you can work smarter, not harder.

Tip #1 Troubleshoot Your Application Using the Application Packet Section

Having trouble with your application in TX-UNPS? Here’s how to troubleshoot your application issue.
First, log in and navigate to applications at the top of the page.
Next, visit the application packet section to identify the problem area.
Once you open a specific section, you’ll see the comment/warning message on the top of the page.

Tip #2 Use a Budget Worksheet to Estimate Your CACFP Reimbursement First

With this method, you enter the estimated number of enrollees in each category, and the spreadsheet will calculate your reimbursement. Want access to our budget worksheet? Click here to book a call with us.

TIP #3: Calculate Labor Costs in Your Worksheet Before Entering Them in TX-UNPS

- - The budget worksheet calculates the FICA rate, Medicare rate, and the portion paid for the food service account annually.
  - It uses the base salary, number of hours worked, and the number of hours spent on food service duties.
  - This makes it easy to transfer the information to the labor section in TX-UNPS.
Click here to book a call with us.

TIP #4: Use a budget worksheet to determine food and supply costs.

The worksheet uses average daily participation to estimate food and supply costs, making it easy to input the number into TX-UNPS. Want access to our budget worksheet? Click here to book a call with us.

Tip #5: Make Sure Your Program Costs (E1) Exceed Your Reimbursement (E2)

To demonstrate that you will clear your food program expenses, program costs should exceed reimbursement in your CACFP budget.

Tip #6: Your DBA Name in TX-UNPS Must Match Your Secretary of State Filing Exactly

Ensure that your “Doing Business As” name matches the Secretary of State name exactly.
Any inconsistencies will require you to resubmit your application and possibly submit a copy of your assumed name certificate. To update the organization name, send an email to CACFP.Bops@texasagriculture.gov.

Tip #7: Submit an Updated Compensation Policy That Aligns With Your Budget

Your compensation policy should outline your organization’s policies and align with the submitted budget and organizational chart. For a sample compensation policy, please refer to this template from Squaremeals.

Tip #8: Submit an Updated Organizational Chart — And Make Sure It’s Consistent

Additionally, make sure the org chart is congruent with your budget & compensation policy. Want access to our org chart template? Click here to book a call with us.

Tip #9: Submit a SPWA Request for Any Non-Routine Budget Items

SPWA is required for costs which are not typically incurred in the routine operation of the CACFP. You must complete the required request for the SPWA form located in TX-UNPS under CACFP>applications before submitting the budget.

Tip #10: Verify Your License Expiration Date Matches the information from the Department of Family and Protective Services.

If these numbers don’t match, your application or renewal application may be returned.

Wrapping Up

So there you have it! A few friendly pointers to help you make the most of TX-UNPS for your CACFP contract management. Remember, it’s all about getting comfortable with the system and utilizing all the resources available to you.

Still Have Questions? CACFP Solutions is Ready to Lend a Hand

If you face any challenges or need more personalized guidance regarding your CACFP contract management, feel free to reach out to CACFP Solutions.

Our team of experts has over 30 years of experience with CACFP and extensive knowledge of TX-UNPS. We provide individualized support to help you maximize the use of TX-UNPS for your daycare! Schedule a free consultation today and let CACFP Solutions empower you to streamline your operations and focus on what matters most!

Frequently Asked Questions About TX-UNPS and CACFP in Texas

Q: What is TX-UNPS used for in CACFP?
TX-UNPS is the Texas state platform used to manage CACFP applications, claim submissions, budgets, and compliance communication between providers and TDA.

Q: Who needs to use TX-UNPS in Texas?
Any child care center, adult day care, or at-risk after-school program that participates in CACFP independently in Texas must use TX-UNPS.

Q: What is TANS and how does it affect Texas CACFP providers?
TANS (Texas Agriculture Nutrition System) is TDA’s upcoming replacement for TX-UNPS. It will be used to manage CACFP applications, claims, and compliance going forward. We’ll be publishing tips on TANS as soon as it becomes available — so check back here or contact us to stay informed.

Q: What happens if my DBA name doesn’t match in TX-UNPS?
Your application will be returned and you’ll need to resubmit with corrected information or provide an assumed name certificate.

Q: Can CACFP Solutions help me with TX-UNPS?
Absolutely! We offer free discovery calls, one-hour consultations, and full-service monthly support plans. Schedule your free call here.