9/22 S.S.T.A.R. - Summer Meal Service Program Newsletter

Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction sent this bulletin at 09/23/2025 07:50 AM PDT

Summer Food Service Program S.S.T.A.R.: Week of 9/22

Farm to Summer Corner: 2025 Summer Success Stories
Important Dates to Remember

Farm to Summer Corner: 2025 Summer Success Stories

Boys and Girls Club of the Columbia Basin

The Boys and Girls Club of Columbia Basin celebrated Farm to Summer Week with a vibrant mix of hands-on learning, fresh local produce, and unforgettable experiences across their sites in Grant and Kittitas counties. As part of their United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm to School initiative, Farm2Fork Explorers, members engaged deeply with food, farming, and nutrition.

Teens from McGraw and North Clubs toured Cloudview Farms in Ephrata, picking ripe blackberries and peaches straight from the field. The next day, Club staff led a food preservation workshop where youth learned to make homemade jam using their freshly harvested fruit.

Training Opportunities

Institute of Child Nutrition iLearn quick virtual trainings.

STAR: Farm to School: Tips for Increasing Locally Grown or Raised Food Options

Date: September 25, 2025

Kittitas Club visited Olmstead State Park to explore how families farmed and lived in the early 1900s. At McGraw, members proudly harvested lettuce and tomatoes from their club green house, sampling the fruits of their labor. At North, kids made banana chips and explored healthy eating habits through fun, interactive activities.

Throughout the week, fresh local apricots and peaches were featured on the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) menu, connecting kids to the flavors of their region and the farms that grow them.

The Boys and Girls Club of Columbia Basin is proud to teach youth where food comes from, how to make healthy choices, and the importance of supporting local agriculture through their growing Farm2Fork Explorers initiative.

The Salvation Army — Camp Arnold

Camp Arnold embraced Farm to Summer with a flavorful and educational twist, serving up fresh Washington-grown produce and engaging campers in conversations about local agriculture.

Campers enjoyed Washington strawberries, learning about the state’s ideal berry-growing conditions thanks to its rich soil and temperate climate. Staff also introduced different cultivation methods, including wild, conventional, and organic farming.

Yakima peaches were a hit sparking discussion about the region’s climate and its suitability for growing stone fruits like cherries and apricots. Campers were fascinated to learn that peaches are closely related to almonds!

Apples from various Washington locations rounded out the menu. Camp leaders highlighted the Washington State University's role in apple cultivation and the state’s reputation for producing diverse, high-quality varieties. While apples were the least popular among campers, the strawberries and peaches were clear favorites.

Before each meal, campers were invited to learn about the fruits they were eating, how they’re grown, and why Washington is such a powerhouse in agriculture. It was a delicious and educational way to celebrate Farm to Summer!

Want us to share your Farm to Summer story? Use #WAFarmtoSummer on social media or email your stories and photos to farmtocnp@k12.wa.us.

Important Dates to Remember

October 15

September Claims Due in WINS by 2 pm

ALL STUDENTS PREPARED FOR POST-SECONDARY PATHWAYS, CAREERS, AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT.

Led by State Superintendent Chris Reykdal, OSPI oversees K-12 public education in Washington state. Our mission is to provide funding, resources, tools, data and technical assistance that enable educators to ensure students succeed in our public schools, are prepared to access post-secondary training and education, and are equipped to thrive in their careers and lives.

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This Institution is an Equal Opportunity Provider.