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The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) is seeking nonprofit sponsors and meal sites to operate compliant Summer Meals programs in eligible locations across Washington. Ideal partners include community-based organizations, such as nonprofits, schools, tribes, parks, libraries, and youth programs, that have a strong track record in child nutrition programs, are familiar with USDA requirements, and have experience managing food service operations. All sponsors must meet Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) requirements and successfully complete OSPI’s Viability, Capability, and Accountability (VCA) process to ensure program integrity, compliance, and sustainability.
Great SFSP partners are organized, collaborative, and committed to serving kids well. Sponsors bring summer meals to life by following program requirements, keeping good records, and teaming up with OSPI through training and monitoring to make the program run smoothly.
If your organization plans to operate SFSP in 2026 for the first time or had a gap in operations in 2025, this is your guide to get started! We encourage organizations to reach out starting in January so OSPI can provide hands-on support and help new sponsors get ready for a successful Summer 2026.
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Visit our New Sponsors page: Go to the New Sponsors | OSPI web page and check out the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) dropdown for key information.
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Complete the New Sponsor Questionnaire: Use the checklist to gather all required documents. Make sure your questionnaire is complete before submitting. Any unsubmitted or incomplete entries will be lost.
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Next steps: Once a complete questionnaire is received, OSPI will reach out with any questions and guide you through the onboarding process.
Know someone who would be a great fit? Have them contact summermeals@k12.wa.us. We’re excited to help new organizations get started and help feed kids over the summer!
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Summer Kickoff Webinar
Date: February 26
Time: 2-3 pm
Summer Summit - Tacoma
Date: March 10
Time: 8 am - 5 pm
Summer Summit Kennewick
Date: March 17
Time:
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Applications for 2026 summer operations open March 1. See the table below for due dates based on the type of sponsor or first day of operation. You will need to have an account set up in the Washington Integrated Nutrition System (WINS) to submit your application. Find application materials and resources on the Requirements and Materials web page. The application approval process can take up to a month, so start early to ensure your application is approved in time for summer meal service.
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Sponsor Category
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Application Due Date
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New Sponsor
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Financial Viability, Capability, and Accountability due March 1
Application due April 15
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Sponsors that had Significant Operational Problems in their 2025 Review
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April 15
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Returning Sponsors that are new to Rural Non-Congregate Operation
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May 1
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All Other Sponsors should apply based on the first day of program operations:
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Between June 1-15
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May 15
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After June 15
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June 1
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Attend the SFSP Kickoff Webinar
If you are a community sponsor, join us February 26 from 2-3 pm for a Summer 2026 Kickoff Webinar to meet staff, discuss summer meal program options, and hear about 2026 SFSP plans. SFA Sponsors should attend the School Meals Monthly webinar on March 5 for updates about the Summer 2026 program.
Date: February 26, 2026
Time: 2-3 pm
Get ready to connect, learn, and get inspired for your summer meals program! The 2026 Summer Meals Summits are a fantastic opportunity for new or aspiring sponsors to meet our current sponsor community, swap best practices, and see what makes a summer meals program thrive. We will offer a summit in Tacoma on March 10 and Kennewick on March 17.
United Way of King County, OSPI, and the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), will bring together presentations, interactive panels, and networking opportunities designed to help you take your summer meals program to the next level. Expect in-depth sessions on marketing and promotion, meal pattern compliance, and more, with plenty of opportunities to learn from experienced sponsors.
Stay tuned for registration details, and get ready to connect, learn, and grow your summer meals program! If interested in presenting, please feel free to reach out to our team summermeals@k12.wa.us.
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Date: March 10, 2026
Location: Tacoma Convention Center
Time: 8 am - 5 pm
Date: March 17, 2026
Location: Three Rivers Convention Center
Time: 8 am - 5 pm
Great news! OSPI has extended the Turnip the Beet Award application deadline to January 16 to allow more sponsors time to apply. If you haven’t submitted yet, now is the time—turn yours in today!
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) invites summer meal program sponsors to apply for the Turnip the Beet Award, which recognizes organizations that serve healthy, creative, and appealing meals to children during the summer months. This award celebrates programs that go above and beyond to support child nutrition and community well-being.
Why Apply?
Award recipients are recognized for:
- Creative and nutritious meal offerings
- Positive community impact
- Strong commitment to serving children healthy meals
Helpful resources, including Tips for Sponsors, are available on the Turnip the Beet Webpage. Submit completed nominations via email to the Summer Meals Inbox.
Don't miss this opportunity to showcase your program's achievements and inspire others.
Apply now for the Turnip the Beet Award!
Don’t miss this opportunity to highlight your program’s success and inspire others- submit your nomination today!
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January 16
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Extended Deadline for 2025 Turnip the Beet
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February 26
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FY26 SFSP/SSO Kickoff Webinar (All Sponsors Except SFAs)
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March 1
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FY26 SFSP Application Opens
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March 5
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SFSP/SSO Kickoff | School Meals Monthly Webinar (SFAs only)
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March 10
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Summer Summit | Tacoma
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March 17
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Summer Summit | Kennewick
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June 1
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2026 SFSP Applications Due
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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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