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For SY 2025–2026, four pathways are available:
- Nutrition Education
- Promotion & Marketing – New!
- Culturally Inclusive Meals
- Local School Wellness Policies – New!
The course guides you through the steps to choose and implement an action that is the right fit for your program and students. Some actions that SY 2024–25 participants implemented include:
- Creating new opportunities for student and family engagement
- Developing new recipes in partnership with CTE and Culinary students
- Hosting taste tests, multicultural events, and wellness fairs
- Enhancing garden, greenhouse, and Harvest of the Month activities.
These are just a few examples of the actions you might choose.
Each pathway includes online training, a “Power Up” toolkit with bite-sized action steps, and curated resources to create impactful program enhancements. Throughout the year, peers, community partners, and OSPI’s training team will offer connections, inspiration, and support. Along the way, you will have opportunities to promote your efforts and get recognition.
Register by June 30 to save your spot.
Questions? Email CNSTraining@k12.wa.us
The Healthy Meals Incentives Recognition Awards application closes June 30, 2025. It is not too late to join Washington’s recipients and highlight your work!
Consider work that you are already doing. With seven award categories available, there are many ways to qualify, including:
- Reducing added sugars at breakfast or added sodium at lunch
- Introducing new scratch-prepared foods
- Implementing nutrition education activities in the cafeteria, classroom, or community
- Updating a favorite meal to improve the nutritional quality
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Award recipients receive complimentary registration and a travel stipend to attend an exclusive Healthy Meals Summit in Las Vegas! You’ll receive national and local recognition and an awardee promotion toolkit.
Learn more:
Questions? Contact Action for Healthy Kids (awards@healthymealsincentives.org) or the OSPI Training Team (CNSTraining@k12.wa.us)
Grant Opportunities
2025 Lots of Compassion Grant – Closes June 16, 2025
The Lots of Compassion Grant program supports local leaders looking to transform vacant lots into gardens to help grow compassion in their community. In 2025, 10 grantees will receive $20,000 each to transform a vacant lot into a garden. A total of $200,000 will be awarded.
The Lunch Box’s Bulk Milk Equipment Grant – Opens end of April
The Lunch Box's Bulk Milk program provides grant packages to help schools transition from serving milk in single-serve containers to using bulk dispensers and reusable cups. Grant packages include a bulk milk dispenser, stand, reusable cups, dish racks, program and marketing materials, and technical assistance.
WSDA Farm to School Purchasing Grant 2025-2027 Update
Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is publishing preliminary information on the 2025-2027 Farm to School Purchasing Grant online for planning purposes only. WSDA Farm to School Purchasing Grants are dependent upon appropriation by the State Legislature. Please visit the grant webpage for updates.
Harvest of the Month
OSPI is excited to feature Butterhead Lettuce in May.
Fun Facts
- Butterhead Lettuce is part of the sunflower family.
- Butterhead Lettuce is packed with nutrients like vitamin K, vitamin A, and vitamin B9 (folate).
Other Resources
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Training Opportunities
WSDA Spring Farm to School Culinary Trainings - Free
Spring Farm to School Culinary Training - Aberdeen
Date: May 2, 2025
Time: 9am-3pm
Grays Harbor College | 1620 Edward P Smith Dr., Aberdeen, WA
Join Chef Mataio in a day filled with fun, food and enjoyment. Learn about new recipes for breakfast culinary skills and ways to plan the menu and prepare food. Hosted by Educational Service Districts (ESDs) 101 and 113, and the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA).
Register soon. Space is limited.
Spring Farm to School Culinary Training - Burlington
Date: Friday, May 9, 2025
Time: 9am-3pm
Burlington School District | 419 North Burlington Blvd., Burlington, WA 98233
Join Chef Mataio in a day filled with fun, food and enjoyment. Learn about new recipes for breakfast culinary skills and ways to plan the menu and prepare food. Hosted by ESDs 101 and 113, and WSDA.
Register soon. Space is limited
Spring Farm to School Culinary Training - Kent
Date: Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Time: 9am-3:30pm
Ignite Food Service | 6809 S. 220th St., Kent, WA
Join chefs Kent Getzin & Mataio Gillis for hands-on culinary training designed to elevate school meal programs while emphasizing the value of local sourcing, whole-food preparation, and cost-effective menu planning. Designed for school nutrition teams, culinary leads, and food service directors, this session is packed with flavorful ideas your students will love. Featured recipes include homemade sheet tray pancakes, focaccia for breakfast or lunch, and salmon five ways.
Register by May 14. – space is limited.
Resources
New! Utilizing Raw Animal Proteins in School Meals Resource Sheet
OSPI is pleased to a new resource for sponsors currently utilizing or considering using raw animal proteins in their meal programs. The Utilizing Raw Animal Proteins in School Meals resource sheet provides information on connecting with local health jurisdictions, accessing food safety trainings, and utilizing food safety and procurement resources.
Through the Power Up Your Program courses this year, sponsors from across the state are working to enhance nutrition education and cultural connections for their students and families. Many Power Up projects are underway this spring, and we are excited to highlight different ways that participants are boosting engagement, creating new partnerships, and providing impactful food and nutrition education.
Holi-inspired Taste Test Success with Traditional Indian Dishes
As a member of the Power Up: Nutrition Education cohort, Lynn Tipping was inspired to offer a new experience for Granite Falls students. Lynn and her team hosted a taste test of three traditional Indian dishes: Butter Chicken, Chana Masala, and Potato Curry. She planned the event to take place on Holi, a Hindu celebration of spring, love, and new beginnings. High school transitional students helped hang posters and promote the event. Culinary students worked with the team to prepare and serve samples. Over 200 students sampled the dishes and 80% of students said that they enjoyed them. The event was a huge success, and Lynn is excited to continue introducing new foods and flavors for students to experience.
Interested in learning more about Power Up Your Program or joining in SY 2025–26? Register by June 30 to save your spot.
Questions? Email CNSTraining@k12.wa.us.
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Yakima School District is launching the "Eat Real" initiative to improve their school meal programs; including a focus on scratch-cooking, and adding in more whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Check out the full KIMA article here.
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