EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EFAP) - TRIBAL
INFORMATION FOR LEAD AGENCIES AND SUB AGENCIES
This program is supported by state and federal funds to alleviate hunger in Washington State. Participating tribes and tribal organizations that deliver food and services to hungry people - including those experiencing homelessness - receive funds, technical assistance, and information. EFAP-Tribal has its origins in the 1986 development of EFAP and partners with 32 tribes and two tribal organizations to meet the needs of tribal communities across the state.
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Find information you need to effectively run Emergency Food Assistance Program (EFAP)-Tribal. This manual contains information and procedures for Tribal Lead Agencies and their Sub Agencies, with an effective start date of July 1, 2023.
Find a complete list of forms and publications for Tribal Lead Agencies and their Sub Agencies.
Find answers to frequently asked questions about EFAP-Tribal.
Tribal Lead Agencies Only
Open Office HoursThe Regional Representative Team holds regularly scheduled virtual open office hours on the first Tuesday of the month. Tribal Lead Agencies are invited to ask program questions, network, and share challenges and opportunities with FA staff and counterparts across the state.
Sub Agencies participating in FA programs should contact their Lead Agency with program related questions.
Lead Agency Check-In Meetings
Food Assistance holds regularly scheduled check-in meetings for Lead Agencies. FA staff and stakeholders provide program updates, reminders, and seek input. This is one of the primary avenues for Lead Agencies to ask program questions, network and share challenges and opportunities with FA staff and their peers. It is a great opportunity for Lead Agency staff regardless of experience level to remain up to date on program development and changes. These meetings are typically held the first Friday of the month. If you are a Lead Agency and want to join - contact foodassistance@agr.wa.gov or your regional representative.
Tribal Lead Agencies and Sub Agencies
General Focus Check-In MeetingsWSDA's Food Assistance team hosts monthly check-in meetings to provide up-to-date information, resources, and support for hunger relief organizations. This virtual meeting is hosted on Microsoft Teams and is open to anyone who wants to learn more. To find out when the next meeting is or read the notes from previous meetings, please visit our General Focus Meeting Information page.
Food Assistance Advisory Committee Meeting
The Food Assistance Advisory Committee (FAAC), which is part of the Washington Food Coalition (WFC), plays an important role in shaping how WSDA Food Assistance programs can provide the most value to the food assistance provider network and to those whom they serve. The FAAC meets a minimum of three times a year and as needed by the request of the Chair of the FAAC. All providers, including food banks, food pantries, tribal voucher providers and other community partners have been encouraged to attend. The WFC posts notes and information while maintaining the email and invite lists for Committee meetings.
Contact the WFC at info@wafoodcoalition.org to learn more and inquire about committee membership.
Questions or Comments?
Program Phone: 360-725-5640
Program Email: foodassistance@agr.wa.gov
All Program Contacts: https://agr.wa.gov/services/food-access/contact-us
Regional Rep Map
Lead Agency Contacts
Find Contact Information for EFAP-Tribal Lead Agencies HereProgram Data
Looking for Program Data? Visit our Hunger in WA page. Washington State food banks and pantries received a total of $14.2 million in state and federal funding from EFAP in state fiscal year 2024 to help provide 230 million pounds of food to 2.2 million Washingtonians struggling to put food on the table. EFAP food pantry dollars supported the distribution of a pound of food last year for an incredibly low average cost of only 6 cents. A portion, $1.4 million was provided for use by tribes and tribal organizations for use in tribal food pantries and food voucher programs.
Find Resources Here
Recipes and Nutrition Resources
Want help in supporting your clients in making healthier food choices? We've compiled tons of resources for cooking on a budget, including kid-friendly recipes, recipes in Spanish, as well as dietary guidelines from the USDA and additional nutrition guidance for older adults, pregnant women, new mothers, and young children.Find Resources Here
Food Purchasing Resources
Are you a hunger relief organization wanting to learn more about purchasing local food for your program? Are you interested in connecting with local farmers and/or food distributors in your region? Visit our Food Purchasing page for helpful tips, best practices, and resources to help you find success in making local purchases.Find Resources Here
Donations
If you are considering donating perishable food to a food bank, food pantry, or meal program, either as an individual or as a business, or you are an emergency feeding organization who is unsure of what your agency can accept, please review the food donation guides at the link below. If you have a specific question as a donor, contact your local hunger relief agency or county health department for more information.Find Resources Here
Helpful Links
Tax Exempt Organization Search (IRS)RCW 43.23.290
System for Award Management (SAM)
Secretary of State Corporation and Charities Search (SOS)
Statewide Vendor Information (SWV)
Washington Food Coalition (WFC)