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Building on the success of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Local Food for Schools (LFS) Cooperative Agreement, OSPI is excited to announce that LFS has been rebranded as Washington Local Foods (WaLF) — same program, new name! WaLF continues the mission of connecting schools with Washington’s farmers and producers, offering 17 locally sourced foods from regional growers.
Through the USDA Local Food for Schools (LFS) Cooperative Agreement, OSPI provided 23 unprocessed and minimally processed foods from Washington producers to schools at no cost in school year (SY) 2023–24. While LFS funding has concluded, OSPI created the initiative as an innovative and sustainable Farm to School solution that would persist past the funding cycle. As such, the initiative will continue indefinitely under the new name, Washington Local Foods (WaLF).
LEAs participating in the USDA Foods Program can order WaLF foods monthly during regular and surplus order periods, making it easier than ever to bring local products into school meals.
This rebrand represents the next chapter in Washington’s farm to school success — streamlining logistics, strengthening partnerships, and expanding access to fresh, local foods for students across the state. Visit the WaLF webpage for updated educational resources and product fact sheets.
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 USDA Food Show — Registration Open
University Place
Date: January 26, 2026
Time: 8 am – 2 pm
Spokane
Date: January 30, 2026
Time: 8 am – 2 pm
Register here
School Year 2025–26 School Meal Program Monthly Webinar Series
Monthly, September through June.
Time: 2–3 pm
Register here
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Don't miss this year's USDA Foods Show! Hear OSPI updates, attend two breakout education sessions, network with peers, and taste test USDA Foods available to order. |
Education session topics include:
- Pathways to Food Procurement in School Nutrition
- Maximizing Menus and Dollars
- A Taste of Success: Best Practices for Engaging Student Taste Tests
- Introduction to Diversions
- Exploring Possibilities with USDA Frozen Chicken
- Exploring Possibilities with USDA Black Bean Burger Patties
University Place
Date: January 26, 2026
Time: 8 am–2 pm
Spokane
Date: January 30, 2026
Time: 8 am–2 pm
Register Here
Schedule At A Glance
7:30 – 8 am – Registration opens
8 – 9 am – General Session | USDA Foods & OSPI Updates
9:15 – 10:15 am – Education Session A
10:30 – 11:30 am – Education Session B
11:45 am – 12:15 pm – General Session
12:15 – 2 pm – USDA Foods Taste Testing
January Order Period Opens December 3–10
January orders open Wednesday, November 5, and close Wednesday, December 3, at 4 pm.
Surplus orders open Thursday, December 11, at 1 pm for groups 1 and 2; 1:30 pm for group 3; and 2 pm for group 4.
Surplus closes Friday, December 12 at 4 pm
Please remember to notify OSPI of Delivery Information Updates
If you have a new delivery contact person or a change of delivery address, please fill out the Delivery Updates Form.
USDA Food Complaints
Resources
Winter weather is upon us! Inclement weather or other events may unexpectedly affect your hours of operation, staff availability, and access to buildings.
If your LEA experiences unexpected closures and your delivery cannot be accepted, please contact the Empire Distribution System (IEDS) carrier that delivers your USDA Foods:
Please note the updated phone numbers below.
East
- Hernandez Transportation – *Updated* 425-305-7051
- Fastway Transportation – 509-534-9351 ext. 1
West
- Holman Transportation – 253-867-0682
- Peninsula Transportation – *Updated* 253-929-2067
Loading docks and delivery areas must be clear of snow and ice to allow for safe deliveries. Please work with your facilities department to ensure your delivery area is ready.
Questions? Email the Food Distribution team inbox or call 360-725-6204.
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For December, we’re spotlighting USDA Foods item 111860 - Black Bean Burger
Product Description
This item is a fully cooked black bean burger patty with a mild southwest flavor. This product is individually quick frozen and delivered in a 30-pound case.
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Culinary Tips and Recipes
- Fully cooked black bean burgers can be heated and served on a bun with a variety of toppings such as lettuce, tomato, avocado, onions, or mushrooms.
- For culinary techniques and recipe ideas, visit the Institute of Child Nutrition or USDA’s Team Nutrition.
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USDA Product Information Sheets provide basic product information, and the USDA Foods Database provides vendor-specific nutrition, allergen, and ingredient information.
Questions? Email Sarah Davis or call 360-725-6215.
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December 3–10
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Order Period Open
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December 11
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Surplus Order Open
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December 12
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Surplus Orders Close | 4 pm
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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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ADA NOTIFICATION FOR OSPI CHILD NUTRITION SERVICES EVENTS
To arrange accommodations for persons with disabilities for OSPI Child Nutrition Services events, please contact the Child Nutrition Services Team at 360-725-6200, TTY 360-664-3631, or by email, child.nutrition@k12.wa.us at least three business days before the event. Please note that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not require OSPI to take any action that would fundamentally alter the nature of its programs or services, or impose an undue financial or administrative burden.
This Institution is an Equal Opportunity Provider.
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