Effective July 1, 2011 the Domestic Marketing & Economic Development, Small Farm Direct Marketing and Farm-to-School programs have been eliminated due to legislative budget reductions and these programs have ceased operation.

Farm-to-School Program

The WSDA Farm-to-School Program is dedicated to fostering relationships between schools and agricultural producers in Washington State. Our goal is to support expanding economic opportunities for farmers while educating students about the connections between food, farming, health, and the environment. The program provides information, inspiration, assistance, and policy solutions for those working to supply healthy Washington-grown food and related education to youth in our State.

Our program provides the following assistance and services to schools and farms.
For Farms:

• Introductions and assistance in selling to school buyers, either directly or through existing supply chains.
• Working in partnership with farms and organizations around the state to explore options for processing and distribution.
• Providing trainings and workshops to help farmers expand their operations to school and institutional markets.
  

For Schools:

• Identifying local farms and Washington grown products that meet your foodservice needs.
• Educational resources on food, farming, health and the environment.
• Model district and school policies that support healthy, local foods and school garden projects.
• Planning and problem-solving for your specific program.

The Farm-to-School Program works closely with the WSDA Small Farms & Direct Marketing Program, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, WSU Small Farms Team and other partners around the state to facilitate and improve farm-to-school connections.

Program Staff:
Tricia Kovacs
Program Manager
206-256-6150 or tkovacs@agr.wa.gov

Sue Davis
Program Coordinator
360-970-3922 or sdavis@agr.wa.gov

Becky Elias
Project Coordinator, Specialty Crop Block Grant
206-256-6151 relias@agr.wa.gov

Shoko Kumagai
Project Coordinator, Communities Putting Prevention to Work
206-256-1874 or skumagai@agr.wa.gov