WSDA Farm to School works closely with our partners at OSPI. We collaborate on child nutrition efforts, and also with educational opportunities for students statewide.
OSPI Child Nutrition Services
Child Nutrition Services (CNS) assists school districts and other program sponsors in providing quality nutrition programs that promote life-long healthful living while providing nutritious meals each day that prepare children for learning. Locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables and other farm-raised products can be a delicious and nutritious component of school food. We work together with CNS on ways to integrate more Washington produced products into school meals and snack programs.
OSPI Environment and Sustainability
OSPI's goal for environment and sustainability education is to support academic success and life-long learning, and to develop a responsible citizenry capable of applying knowledge of ecological, economic, and socio-cultural systems to meet current and future needs. OSPI Environment and Sustainbility's work includes support school gardens and outdoor education.
OSPI CTE - Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources
Career & Techncial Education (CTE) is at the forefront of innovation in education in Washington. CTE programs in Washington are aligned with rigorous industry and academic standards. Teachers participate in meaningful professional development on curricula and instruction, standards and assessment, and academic integration. In CTE Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Career Cluster classes, the topic is life. As long as human beings inhabit the planet, we will have a need for scientists and technicians to ensure that we are responsibly managing our food production and our natural resources consumption.
OSPI CTE - Culinary Arts
USDA Pilot Project for Procurement of Unprocessed Fruits & Vegetables
Washington State is one of eight states selected to participate in the Pilot Project for Procurement of Unprocessed Fruits and Vegetables, as directed by the Agricultural Act of 2014, also known as the Farm Bill. The pilot enables school districts to use their USDA entitlement funds to purchase domestic and locally-grown unprocessed fruits and vegetables. Through this pilot Washington State hopes to strengthen current school-vendor relationships and broaden the diversity of vendors selling to schools.
USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program
The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) provides all enrolled students in participating elementary schools with a variety of free fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the school day. It is an effective and creative way of introducing fresh fruits and vegetables as healthy snack options. The FFVP also encourages community partnerships to support the schools when they offer free fruit and vegetables to students during the school day.