Overview of WSDA Food Assistance
The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) supports the steady growth of agriculture in Washington (WA). We use service, regulation, and advocacy, to protect consumers, public health, and the environment. We strive to build better food systems, align with WSDA’s Focus on Food initiative, and improve food security for all.
We provide resources to more than 600 hunger relief organizations across the state that in turn provide food assistance to one in four (1:4) Washingtonians (Source: 2024 EFAP Data). There were 13.4 million food pantry visits in 2024 which is a staggering 70% increase since 2021. We focus on providing food, funding, and support for innovative new initiatives for these organizations. We also provide logistics support, technical assistance, emergency management, and more. These hunger relief organizations make up a network that includes food banks, food pantries, meal programs, community action councils, tribes, tribal organizations, and others. In partnership with WSDA Food Assistance (WSDA FA), this network of organizations implements important state and federal food assistance programs at the local level. To resource this network, WSDA FA has direct agreements with 50+ Lead Agencies and tribes, and they distribute emergency food resources to local organizations in all 39 counties of the state.
We rely on many partnerships to meet the needs of Washington State residents and our hunger relief network. This network thrives on connection, communication, and transparency. In 2011, we established the Food Assistance Advisory Committee (FAAC) which is part of the Washington Food Coalition. The FAAC advises us on the needs of the network. They help us improve our policies and procedures, guide our strategy, and optimize our programs. WSDA FA prioritizes connection, communication, and transparency with the broader hunger relief network, hosting monthly network calls as well as multiple committees and workgroups.
We seek to advance equity through our programs. This means supporting the dignity of anyone eligible for food assistance. We also strive to expand cultural food options for all participants. In recent years, we have made significant strides in reducing client access barriers. In 2021, we clarified that clients may self-declare their eligibility for most programs. We removed service area restrictions so clients can access food wherever they are in WA State.
These improvement efforts are ongoing. We will continue to engage stakeholders to improve our service to all WA communities. We will strengthen the hunger relief network and champion food sovereignty. We will also support economic opportunities for local farmers and producers that help them grow. Food Assistance continues to learn and act on lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. We must expand food access for all, advance equity, and address critical funding gaps.
Since 2020, we have launched many new initiatives, and currently administer 9 programs and over 4 grants. These efforts all contribute to a more resilient food system. Before COVID-19, Food Assistance distributed $23-40 million each year through its programs. Since COVID-19, our annual funding ranges between $60-90 million. This increase in funds is vital to addressing gaps in the hunger relief network. Our partners are still experiencing costs, decreased donations, supply chain disruptions, and growing community needs.
Provides nutritious food packages to lower-income people 60 years of age and over (limited availability). Serves approximately 5,463 seniors each month (65,556 visits per year). Funded by USDA and established in 2001.
Emergency Food Assistance Program (EFAP)
Provides funding to local food banks and food pantries, including tribal food pantries, to provide food to lower-income Washingtonians and people experiencing homelessness. Funds can cover expenses such as food, operations, training, equipment, and repairs. Serves approximately 2.2 million people each year (13.4 million visits). Funded by the state of Washington and established in 1986.
Emergency Food Assistance Program (EFAP) – Tribal and Tribal Voucher Program
Provides funding to tribal food banks and food pantries to provide food to lower-income Washingtonians and people experiencing homeless. In addition to EFAP-Tribal food pantry programs, funding may be used to support the costs of operating the tribal voucher program. Serves approximately 11,940 tribal members each year. Funded by the state of Washington and established in 1986 (Food Pantry) and 1992 (Food Voucher).
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
Provides USDA Foods to hunger relief organizations that distribute food for household use and prepared meals. Income eligibility for household use is 400% or below the federal poverty level. Provides limited operational funding to support the distribution of over 135 types of food including fresh, frozen, and shelf stable. Serves over 841,000 people each month. Funded by USDA and established in 1981.
TEFAP Farm to Food Bank (TEFAP FTFB)
Provides funding to hunger relief organizations to reduce food waste by supporting harvesting, packing, processing, and/or distributing donated foods from farmers and growers to emergency food organizations. Funded by USDA and established in 2019, anticipated to be reauthorized in the Farm Bill.
TEFAP Reach and Resiliency (TEFAP R&R)
Supports TEFAP hunger relief organizations to expand the reach of TEFAP to remote, rural, tribal, lower-income, and underserved areas. These short-term grants can pay for equipment, operational costs, and client services. Funded by USDA and established in 2022, anticipated to run through 2025.
Farm to Food Pantry (F2FP)
Funds long-term relationships between hunger relief organizations and small-scale farmers for the procurement and distribution of fresh local produce, dairy, grains, and proteins to the community. Funded by the state of Washington and established in 2014, partnership with Harvest Against Hunger. In 2024, F2FP had 237 participating farmers.
Resiliency Grants (RG)
Competitive grant funds to support hunger relief organizations and tribes local hunger-relief efforts (food, equipment, staffing, operations, etc.). This program was initially for responding to COVID-19 and its longer-term effects. Funded by Washington State Legislature and Coronavirus State & Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (part of the American Rescue Plan Act) and established in 2021.
Local Food Purchasing Assistance (LFPA) & LFPA Plus
Provides funds to hunger relief organizations and tribes participating in FA core programs to support purchases of local foods for distribution to rural, remote, and underserved communities. The funding aims to improve supply chain resiliency by supporting local and regional partnerships between socially disadvantaged farmers, producers, ranchers, and underserved communities. Funded by USDA-AMS and established in 2022, anticipated to run through 2027.
Other Initiatives, Grants, Pilots
Reserve Warehouse, Washington Commodities Donation Grant Program, SNAP-Ed (Nutrition Focused), Disaster Household Distribution (USDA), Spice Purchases, Capacity Survey, Direct Food Purchasing, Gap Funding (TEFAP/CSFP/LFPA) and more.
We provide resources to more than 600 hunger relief organizations across the state that in turn provide food assistance to one in four (1:4) Washingtonians (Source: 2024 EFAP Data). There were 13.4 million food pantry visits in 2024 which is a staggering 70% increase since 2021. We focus on providing food, funding, and support for innovative new initiatives for these organizations. We also provide logistics support, technical assistance, emergency management, and more. These hunger relief organizations make up a network that includes food banks, food pantries, meal programs, community action councils, tribes, tribal organizations, and others. In partnership with WSDA Food Assistance (WSDA FA), this network of organizations implements important state and federal food assistance programs at the local level. To resource this network, WSDA FA has direct agreements with 50+ Lead Agencies and tribes, and they distribute emergency food resources to local organizations in all 39 counties of the state.
We rely on many partnerships to meet the needs of Washington State residents and our hunger relief network. This network thrives on connection, communication, and transparency. In 2011, we established the Food Assistance Advisory Committee (FAAC) which is part of the Washington Food Coalition. The FAAC advises us on the needs of the network. They help us improve our policies and procedures, guide our strategy, and optimize our programs. WSDA FA prioritizes connection, communication, and transparency with the broader hunger relief network, hosting monthly network calls as well as multiple committees and workgroups.
We seek to advance equity through our programs. This means supporting the dignity of anyone eligible for food assistance. We also strive to expand cultural food options for all participants. In recent years, we have made significant strides in reducing client access barriers. In 2021, we clarified that clients may self-declare their eligibility for most programs. We removed service area restrictions so clients can access food wherever they are in WA State.
These improvement efforts are ongoing. We will continue to engage stakeholders to improve our service to all WA communities. We will strengthen the hunger relief network and champion food sovereignty. We will also support economic opportunities for local farmers and producers that help them grow. Food Assistance continues to learn and act on lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. We must expand food access for all, advance equity, and address critical funding gaps.
Since 2020, we have launched many new initiatives, and currently administer 9 programs and over 4 grants. These efforts all contribute to a more resilient food system. Before COVID-19, Food Assistance distributed $23-40 million each year through its programs. Since COVID-19, our annual funding ranges between $60-90 million. This increase in funds is vital to addressing gaps in the hunger relief network. Our partners are still experiencing costs, decreased donations, supply chain disruptions, and growing community needs.
Food Assistance Programming Includes:
Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)Provides nutritious food packages to lower-income people 60 years of age and over (limited availability). Serves approximately 5,463 seniors each month (65,556 visits per year). Funded by USDA and established in 2001.
Emergency Food Assistance Program (EFAP)
Provides funding to local food banks and food pantries, including tribal food pantries, to provide food to lower-income Washingtonians and people experiencing homelessness. Funds can cover expenses such as food, operations, training, equipment, and repairs. Serves approximately 2.2 million people each year (13.4 million visits). Funded by the state of Washington and established in 1986.
Emergency Food Assistance Program (EFAP) – Tribal and Tribal Voucher Program
Provides funding to tribal food banks and food pantries to provide food to lower-income Washingtonians and people experiencing homeless. In addition to EFAP-Tribal food pantry programs, funding may be used to support the costs of operating the tribal voucher program. Serves approximately 11,940 tribal members each year. Funded by the state of Washington and established in 1986 (Food Pantry) and 1992 (Food Voucher).
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
Provides USDA Foods to hunger relief organizations that distribute food for household use and prepared meals. Income eligibility for household use is 400% or below the federal poverty level. Provides limited operational funding to support the distribution of over 135 types of food including fresh, frozen, and shelf stable. Serves over 841,000 people each month. Funded by USDA and established in 1981.
TEFAP Farm to Food Bank (TEFAP FTFB)
Provides funding to hunger relief organizations to reduce food waste by supporting harvesting, packing, processing, and/or distributing donated foods from farmers and growers to emergency food organizations. Funded by USDA and established in 2019, anticipated to be reauthorized in the Farm Bill.
TEFAP Reach and Resiliency (TEFAP R&R)
Supports TEFAP hunger relief organizations to expand the reach of TEFAP to remote, rural, tribal, lower-income, and underserved areas. These short-term grants can pay for equipment, operational costs, and client services. Funded by USDA and established in 2022, anticipated to run through 2025.
Farm to Food Pantry (F2FP)
Funds long-term relationships between hunger relief organizations and small-scale farmers for the procurement and distribution of fresh local produce, dairy, grains, and proteins to the community. Funded by the state of Washington and established in 2014, partnership with Harvest Against Hunger. In 2024, F2FP had 237 participating farmers.
Resiliency Grants (RG)
Competitive grant funds to support hunger relief organizations and tribes local hunger-relief efforts (food, equipment, staffing, operations, etc.). This program was initially for responding to COVID-19 and its longer-term effects. Funded by Washington State Legislature and Coronavirus State & Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (part of the American Rescue Plan Act) and established in 2021.
Local Food Purchasing Assistance (LFPA) & LFPA Plus
Provides funds to hunger relief organizations and tribes participating in FA core programs to support purchases of local foods for distribution to rural, remote, and underserved communities. The funding aims to improve supply chain resiliency by supporting local and regional partnerships between socially disadvantaged farmers, producers, ranchers, and underserved communities. Funded by USDA-AMS and established in 2022, anticipated to run through 2027.
Other Initiatives, Grants, Pilots
Reserve Warehouse, Washington Commodities Donation Grant Program, SNAP-Ed (Nutrition Focused), Disaster Household Distribution (USDA), Spice Purchases, Capacity Survey, Direct Food Purchasing, Gap Funding (TEFAP/CSFP/LFPA) and more.
Overview of TEFAP
TEFAP began in Washington State in 1981. This federal USDA food distribution program has evolved to include a focus on healthier foods, more variety in the types of foods being offered, and using commercial labels instead of just the USDA label. In the state of Washington, WSDA Food Assistance (FA) manages the administration, storage, and distribution of TEFAP funding and foods by entering into agreements with 19 TEFAP Lead Agencies to provide statewide coverage in all 39 counties and work with over 510 Sub Agencies (food pantries, mobile food pantries, tribes, meal programs and distribution sites). WSDA also utilizes a nonprofit distribution contractor to provide state-level storage and trucking for USDA Foods that cannot be directly shipped to the TEFAP Lead Agencies. The Lead Agencies receive the USDA Foods and administrative funding. Lead Agencies enter into agreements with Sub Agencies that are eligible local emergency food providers to assist in the distribution of food to eligible recipients (clients).
This program reaches over 841,583 individuals each month, a significant increase from previous years, and is showing no signs of client need leveling off. WSDA FA initially passes through a minimum of 78% of the USDA funding directly to Lead Agencies. Depending upon funds available in the final federal budget and for reallocation at the end of the federal fiscal year, the final pass-through is closer to 90%. Given the scope of TEFAP, and its limited operational funding, we also provide additional state TEFAP Gap funding (SFY2025 $2.73 million) to augment TEFAP programming in the state of Washington.
Food Assistance communicates and disseminates program information and policy updates to Lead Agencies, Sub Agencies, and stakeholders on a regular basis. Our communication methods include emails, newsletters, conferences, training both in person and web based, and conference calls. Our webpage is updated frequently with the most current information and training tools. We also established virtual check-in meetings for Lead Agencies and General check-in meetings for all interested parties (2 per month).
Responsible State Agency and Organizational Chart
Responsible State Agency:
The Revised Code of Washington (RCW) Title 43.23.290 designates the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) to be the State agency responsible for the distribution of USDA Foods and administration of The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) through Food Assistance (FA). WSDA FA administers TEFAP in accordance with the provisions of 7 CFR 250 and 251, as applicable, and the Federal-State Agreement FNS-74. WSDA FA is part of the Food Safety & Consumer Services (FS&CS) Division and is the work unit inside WSDA handling the day-to-day program management and operations. Detailed information regarding TEFAP implementation is contained in the WSDA FA TEFAP Procedures Manual (in the process of being updated), which will be available on the FA webpage.2024 Organizational Chart:
WSDA Contact Information
Food Assistance
Phone: 360-725-5640
Email: foodassistance@agr.wa.gov
Web: agr.wa.gov/services/food-access
Address: WSDA Food Assistance
1111 Washington St SE
PO Box 42560
Olympia, WA 98504-2560
Luisa F. Castro, PhD., FS&CS Assistant Director
Office: (360) 870-7858
Email: lcastro@agr.wa.gov
Kim Eads, Food Assistance Program Manager
Cell: (360) 250-4848
Email: Kim.Eads@agr.wa.gov
Business Operations
Kyle Merslich, Program & Policy Administrator
Cell: (360) 515-6413
Email: Kyle.Merslich@agr.wa.gov
Lisa White, Business Operations Administrator
Cell: (360) 481-9945
Email: Lisa.White@agr.wa.gov
Taelor Nguyen, Management Analyst
Cell: (360) 918-1694
Email: Taelor.Nguyen@agr.wa.gov
Tarnah Wright, Administrative Coordinator
Cell: (360) 480-2979
Email: Tarnah.Wright@agr.wa.gov
Compliance & Contracts
Debbie Ornellas, Compliance & Contracts Administrator
Cell: (360) 974-9761
Email: Deborah.Ornellas@agr.wa.gov
Cajsha White, Compliance & Contracts Specialist
Cell: (509) 306-6117
Email: Cajsha.White@agr.wa.gov
Resiliency Grants & Initiatives
Anna Berrey Hamill, Grants Specialist
Cell: (360) 277-6971
Email: Anna.Hamill@agr.wa.gov
Britt Beug, Grants Coordinator
Cell: (360) 490-5046
Email: Brittany.Beug@agr.wa.gov
Food Inventory & Logistics
James Scovel, FA Specialist Logistics Lead
Cell: (360) 280-9113
Email: James.Scovel@agr.wa.gov
John Carney, Inventory & Training Coordinator
Cell: (360) 489-2897
Email: John.Carney@agr.wa.gov
Regional Representatives
Heidi Cobun, FA Specialist
Cell: (360) 688-4749
Email: Heidi.Cobun@agr.wa.gov
Mike Hatada, FA Specialist
Cell: (360) 819-6582
Email: Michael.Hatada@agr.wa.gov
Erin Kester, FA Specialist
Cell: (360) 878-1579
Email: Erin.Kester@agr.wa.gov
Mallorie Shellmer, FA Specialist
Cell: (360) 515-6496
Email: Mallorie.Shellmer@agr.wa.gov
Farm to Community
Jeff Mathias, Farm to Community Specialist Lead
Cell: (360) 515-6875
Email: Jeff.Mathias@agr.wa.gov
Elise Levesque, Farm to Community Specialist
Cell: (564) 200-4304
Email: Elise.Levesque@agr.wa.gov
Phone: 360-725-5640
Email: foodassistance@agr.wa.gov
Web: agr.wa.gov/services/food-access
Address: WSDA Food Assistance
1111 Washington St SE
PO Box 42560
Olympia, WA 98504-2560
Luisa F. Castro, PhD., FS&CS Assistant Director
Office: (360) 870-7858
Email: lcastro@agr.wa.gov
Kim Eads, Food Assistance Program Manager
Cell: (360) 250-4848
Email: Kim.Eads@agr.wa.gov
Business Operations
Kyle Merslich, Program & Policy Administrator
Cell: (360) 515-6413
Email: Kyle.Merslich@agr.wa.gov
Lisa White, Business Operations Administrator
Cell: (360) 481-9945
Email: Lisa.White@agr.wa.gov
Taelor Nguyen, Management Analyst
Cell: (360) 918-1694
Email: Taelor.Nguyen@agr.wa.gov
Tarnah Wright, Administrative Coordinator
Cell: (360) 480-2979
Email: Tarnah.Wright@agr.wa.gov
Compliance & Contracts
Debbie Ornellas, Compliance & Contracts Administrator
Cell: (360) 974-9761
Email: Deborah.Ornellas@agr.wa.gov
Cajsha White, Compliance & Contracts Specialist
Cell: (509) 306-6117
Email: Cajsha.White@agr.wa.gov
Resiliency Grants & Initiatives
Anna Berrey Hamill, Grants Specialist
Cell: (360) 277-6971
Email: Anna.Hamill@agr.wa.gov
Britt Beug, Grants Coordinator
Cell: (360) 490-5046
Email: Brittany.Beug@agr.wa.gov
Food Inventory & Logistics
James Scovel, FA Specialist Logistics Lead
Cell: (360) 280-9113
Email: James.Scovel@agr.wa.gov
John Carney, Inventory & Training Coordinator
Cell: (360) 489-2897
Email: John.Carney@agr.wa.gov
Regional Representatives
Heidi Cobun, FA Specialist
Cell: (360) 688-4749
Email: Heidi.Cobun@agr.wa.gov
Mike Hatada, FA Specialist
Cell: (360) 819-6582
Email: Michael.Hatada@agr.wa.gov
Erin Kester, FA Specialist
Cell: (360) 878-1579
Email: Erin.Kester@agr.wa.gov
Mallorie Shellmer, FA Specialist
Cell: (360) 515-6496
Email: Mallorie.Shellmer@agr.wa.gov
Farm to Community
Jeff Mathias, Farm to Community Specialist Lead
Cell: (360) 515-6875
Email: Jeff.Mathias@agr.wa.gov
Elise Levesque, Farm to Community Specialist
Cell: (564) 200-4304
Email: Elise.Levesque@agr.wa.gov
Lead Agency Information
| TEFAP Lead Agency | Counties Served | Address | Contact Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alternatives to Hunger | San Juan, Whatcom | 1824 Ellis Street Bellingham, WA 98225 |
info@bellinghamfoodbank.org (360) 676-0392 |
| Blue Mountain Action Council | Asotin, Columbia, Franklin, Garfield, Walla Walla | 8 E Cherry Street Walla Walla, WA 99362 |
info@bmacww.org (509) 529-4980 |
| Chelan-Douglas Community Action Council | Chelan, Douglas | 620 Lewis Street Wenatchee, WA 98801 |
info@cdcac.org (509) 662-6156 |
| Clark County Food Bank | Clark | 6502 NE 47th Avenue Vancouver, WA 98661 |
info@clarkcountyfoodbank.org (360) 693-0939 |
| Coastal Harvest | Grays Harbor, Pacific | 520 Tyler Street Hoquiam, WA 98550 |
ga@coastalharvestwa.org (360) 532-6315 |
| Community Action of Skagit County | Island, Skagit | 330 Pacific Place Mount Vernon, WA 98273 |
info@communityactionskagit.org (360) 416-7585 |
| Community Services of Moses Lake | Adams, Benton, Grant, Lincoln, Whitman | 9299 Beacon Road NE Moses Lake, WA 98837 |
csml@mlfood.org (509) 765-8101 |
| Emergency Food Network | Pierce | 3318 92nd Street S Lakewood, WA 98499 |
info@efoodnet.org (253) 584-1040 |
| FISH Community Food Bank | Kittitas | 804 Elmview Road Ellensburg, WA 98926 |
guestservices@kvfish.org (509) 925-5990 |
| Food Lifeline | King | 815 S 96th Street Seattle, WA 98108 |
info@fll.org (206) 545-6600 |
| Lower Columbia Community Action Council | Cowlitz, Wahkiakum | 1526 Commerce Avenue Longview, WA 98632 |
info@lowercolumbiacap.org (360) 425-3430 |
| Okanogan Community Action Council | Okanogan | 424 2nd Avenue S Okanogan, WA 98840 |
info@occac.com (509) 422-4041 |
| Olympic Community Action Programs | Clallam, Jefferson | 2500 W Sims Way, Suite 201 Port Townsend, WA 98368 |
action@olycap.org (360) 452-4726 |
| Opportunities Industrialization of Washington | Yakima | 815 Fruitvale Boulevard Yakima, WA 98902 |
_contact.us_@oicofwa.org (509) 248-6751 |
| Rural Resources Community Action | Ferry, Pend Oreille, Stevens | 956 S Main Street Colville, WA 99114 |
info@ruralresources.org (509) 684-8421 |
| Second Harvest Food Bank of the Inland Northwest | Spokane | 1234 E Front Avenue Spokane, WA 99202 |
info@2-harvest.org (509) 534-6678 |
| Thurston County Food Bank | Kitsap, Lewis, Mason, Thurston | 220 Thurston Avenue NE Olympia, WA 98501 |
info@tcfb.org (360) 352-8597 |
| Volunteers of America Western Washington | Snohomish | 2802 Broadway Everett, WA 98201 |
info@voaww.org (425) 259-3191 |
| Washington Gorge Action Programs | Klickitat, Skamania | 115 W Steuben Street Bingen, WA 98605 |
info@wagap.org (509) 493-2662 |
Access:
WSDA FA will maintain a publicly available list of all TEFAP Lead Agencies on its webpage that includes the name, address and phone number. This is currently on our TEFAP webpage under the main heading of Additional Resources, sub heading Lead Agency Contacts. In addition, this contact information is included above.
WSDA FA will provide a list of all ERAs to USDA FNS by July 31, 2025. Per TEFAP regulations 7 CFR 251.10(a)(3) this list will include both TEFAP Lead Agencies and their Sub Agencies. This list will be accurate, maintained and updated annually and include participating agencies that distribute USDA Foods for home consumption and via prepared meals.
- WSDA FA will report the list in accordance with FNS instruction. The list will:
- Identify whether the participating agency has an agreement with the State Agency (WSDA FA) or a Lead Agency (another ERA);
- If a Lead Agency, the list will include the Lead Agency name, address and contact information.
- If a Sub Agency the list will include the participating agency’s name, address, and contact information (as available), where food is distributed to the public.
- The goal of WSDA FA is to also provide the public with either a searchable map or a Sub Agency listing by the end of September 30, 2025. The exception to this is that we will not make public Sub Agencies that are considered sensitive sites such as, women’s shelters, closed school campuses, etc.
- Identify whether the participating agency has an agreement with the State Agency (WSDA FA) or a Lead Agency (another ERA);
- WSDA FA will also utilize this list and associated TEFAP Risk Assessment to determine which agencies must be monitored that year in accordance with 7 CFR 251.11.