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Note: OSPI is working with partner agency DSHS to finalize the opening date of the portal, therefore we are providing you with approximate dates/date ranges.
Eligibility
- Children between ages 8–18 who live in a household that already receives assistance program benefits (SNAP, TANF, FDPIR), OR
- Children who attend a school that operates the NSLP or SBP, AND
- are directly certified for free and reduced-price school meals, or
- Submits a qualifying Child Nutrition Eligibility & Education Benefit (CNEEB) Application, or
- Submits a qualifying Sun Bucks application
Please direct families to the SUN Bucks website or to the call center at 1-833-543-3230.
Resources
Questions? Visit Summer EBT Food Program for Children SUN Bucks in Washington | DSHS or Summer EBT | Food and Nutrition Service (usda.gov).
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently revised the Product Formulation Statement (PFS) templates and samples, which are available for food industry partners to demonstrate how a food product may contribute to the meal pattern requirements in Child Nutrition Programs (CNP). A PFS may be voluntarily provided by manufacturers at the request of program operators, but it is not reviewed or approved by USDA.
The revised PFS templates and samples provide additional instructions for manufacturers and update terminology to align with current CNP guidance.
PFS Templates and Samples
- Meats/Meat Alternates (M/MA)
- Vegetables and Fruits
- Grains
- Multiple Component Foods
The 2025–26 Area Eligibility Report is now available. This report has been updated as of January 30, 2026.
This report may be used to establish area eligibility for the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), the Seamless Summer Option (SSO), and the Afterschool Snack Program (ASP). Area eligibility may be assigned if school data indicates that the proposed meal site is located in an attendance area of a public school where at least 50% of the children are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals.
The Area Eligibility in Child Nutrition Program Reference Sheet provides more details on area eligibility.
Data from this report is also used to determine eligibility for the Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program (FFVP), House Bill (HB) 1238 – Meals for Washington Students, and Breakfast After the Bell (BAB).
Questions? Contact your School Meals Program Specialist or email SchoolMeals@k12.wa.us.
USDA approved OSPI’s statewide waiver request to allow local program operators to serve meals in a non-congregate setting to participants fasting during Ramadan in 2026.
Effective: February 17 – March 19, 2026
For more information on the Ramadan waiver, review the January C.A.R.E. newsletter and the Ramadan waiver reference sheet.
Questions? Contact your School Meal Programs Specialist or CACFP Specialist.
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Program operators offering the NSLP and SBP during SY 2025–26 are encouraged to join OSPI monthly webinars.
OSPI will discuss annual program requirements, new policy guidance, important reminders, Summer-EBT uploads, and provide an opportunity to ask questions.
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Next Webinar: February 5, 2026
Time: 2–3 pm
Please note: Register once to receive updates and reminders for each webinar.
Reminders
- When you register, there is an option at the bottom of the confirmation email to add the webinar to your calendar.
- A reminder email with the login link to the webinar is sent one hour before the session starts.
- A copy of the slides are sent to everyone registered for the session, even if they did not attend.
- Webinars are not recorded.
- Please keep an eye out for the webinar emails. If you do not see them, check your SPAM box.
Other Training Opportunities
Procurement Fundamentals Webinar
Join OSPI Procurement Specialists for a high-level overview of procurement fundamentals and purchasing Washington Local Foods. The first half will explore the fundamentals of procurement, including different types of procurement and required documentation. During the last half, participants will learn how OSPI has simplified procurement with Washington Local Foods (WaLF), and to help you prepare for the pre-order process for the 2026-27 school year.
Date: February 10, 2026
Time: 1:30 – 2:30 pm
FSMC Contracting Webinar
If you are a Local Education Agency (LEA) or new to Food Service Management Company (FSMC), join OSPI to learn about the FSMC contract process, responsibilities and requirements.
Date: February 17, 2026
Time: 1 – 2 pm
Have topic suggestions for a future monthly webinar? Email SchoolMeals@k12.wa.us.
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