January 23, 2026
TEFAP Sub Agency Risk Assessment
TEFAP Lead Agencies will conduct and submit the Annual TEFAP Risk Assessment of Sub Agencies by March 2nd. The Sub Agency Risk Assessment helps determine which TEFAP Sub Agencies will need to be reviewed by Food Assistance (FA) in FFY 2026.
Lead Agencies complete one Risk Assessment submission per Sub Agency Agreement.
TEFAP Sub Agencies may reach out to their Lead Agencies with questions about the TEFAP Sub Agency Risk Assessment.
Need help finding food or other assistance?
If you or someone you know is struggling to access food, help is available.
211 Washington connects people with local hunger relief resources and other types of assistance, including housing, utility costs, and more. Visit wa211.org to learn more.
The WSDA Food Assistance Program supports communities and lower-income families by improving access to safe, nutritious food. Visit agr.wa.gov/foodnearyou to find food banks, food pantries, and similar resources in your area.
To learn about the status of SNAP benefits, visit the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services website.
What's New?
January 15, 2026
Reduced State Audit Requirements and New Required Trainings for WSDA FA Programs
WSDA FA has lifted the state financial audit requirement for organizations that either hold a Lead Agency Agreement (direct) with WSDA or hold a FA Sub Agency Agreement with a Lead Agency. These changes were included in past FA Agreement Amendments and outlined in the Policy Memo shared on 10/16/2025.
Organizations that are not obtaining audits through other requirements (such as Single Audit, own organization policies, or other funder requirements, etc.) are now required to complete the Public Funding Leadership Training Series.
See the link below to determine if your organization is required to register and attend the Public Funding Leadership Training Series. This series is hosted free of cost by the Washington Food Coalition: https://www.wafoodcoalition.org/2026/01/08/public-funding-leadership-series/
Contact the Agency with whom you hold an FA Agreement if you have questions or need for more information.
Mission
Food Assistance serves communities and lower-income families by improving access to safe and nutritious foods. We honor our connections with agriculture and strengthen the emergency food system by providing food, funding, logistical support, and outreach to hunger relief organizations and tribes.Vision
We are trusted partners who anticipate and respond to the evolving needs of the food system by focusing on the intersection, viability, and success of hunger relief organizations and agricultural producers. Together, we ensure access to healthy food and sustain vibrant communities for all Washingtonians.Access Food in Washington State
In addition to programs that directly affect Washington's agricultural community, WSDA leads state and federal food assistance programs to ensure that lower-income individuals and families can access food. We serve hungry people by providing food, funding, logistics services and outreach to hunger relief organizations and tribes.
Through active engagement and partnerships, we strengthen the hunger relief system, improve access to nutritious and safe foods, and ensure regulatory compliance while honoring our connections with agriculture. We currently offer state and federally funded programs.
WSDA partners with a network of hunger relief organizations to work toward a common vision of alleviating hunger in Washington. Programs are available across the state to provide food to those who need it. We can help you find our closest partner in your area who will be able to help you determine what programs you're eligible for and to find food banks, pantries, and meal programs near you.
We know that hunger relief providers are working hard to get ample nutritious and high-quality food to their clients, and we have gathered resources ranging from recipes for clients to donor guidance that can support this effort. Read on for various donation guides, information about Good Samaritan Act protections, food conservation and tips, and more.
Review hunger relief program annual reports and county-level fact sheets to learn more about the need for food assistance services across Washington State.
If you work with a hunger relief agency that has an Agreement with WSDA, visit this page to find: forms, program procedures manuals, required postings, civil rights materials, food inventory & ordering information, and other requirements. If you participate in our programs as a Sub Agency, these program resources may also be helpful to you.
Can't find what you need? Don't hesitate to contact a Food Assistance team member for general information, detailed program questions, or for help finding food assistance resources in your area. We are here to help!