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BAB Canvas Course!
This training module is intended for child nutrition program operators who implement, or are thinking about implementing BAB. At the completion of this module, participants should be able to identify next steps toward a BAB program in their school or school district.
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Additional information and resources for operating the School Meal Programs with BAB can be found on the School Breakfast Program webpage.
Questions? Please contact your School Meals Program Specialist or email SchoolMeals@k12.wa.us.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently released SP 02-2026, CACFP 01-2026, SFSP 01-2026: Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030 – Eat Real Food. This policy memo is guidance only and does not create new requirements. The memo explains how the updated Dietary Guidelines apply to Child Nutrition Programs, including the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), Child & Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), and Summer Food Service Program (SFSP).
USDA is actively developing a proposed rule to update Child Nutrition Program standards and meal pattern requirements in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) to align with the goals of the updated Dietary Guidelines. Until a final rule implementing changes to meal pattern requirements is complete, all operators should continue meeting current program requirements.
Questions? Please contact your School Meals Program Specialist or email SchoolMeals@k12.wa.us.
Starting March 2026, the new State Breakfast Assistance Rate will be $0.20 per free and reduced-price breakfast. The intent of these funds is to support access to school breakfast.
This new rate will be monitored monthly and is subject to change. Program operators will be updated through CNS Updates, monthly webinars, and WINS alerts if the rate changes.
The USDA Final Rule: Child Nutrition Programs: Meal Patterns Consistent With the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans changes continue in SY 2027–2028 with new limits on weekly added sugars and reduced weekly sodium limits. Join OSPI trainers, program specialists, and colleagues in this interactive workshop to:
- identify tangible ways to reduce added sugars and sodium,
- work through real life examples,
- use hands-on activities to practice key concepts.
Participants will leave this workshop with practical training tools to share these important changes with their teams.
This training is appropriate for program directors, supervisors, lead staff, and others responsible for menu planning and training Child Nutrition Program staff.
Join us for Final Rule Workshop: New Added Sugars and Sodium Weekly Limits
Mead
Date: April 29
Time: 9 am–4 pm
Richland
Date: April 30
Time: 9 am–4 pm
Marysville
Date: May 6
Time: 9 am–4 pm
Ellensburg
Date: May 8
Time: 9 am–4 pm
Vancouver
Date: May 13
Time: 9 am–4 pm
Tumwater
Date: May 14
Time: 9 am–4 pm
OSPI Procurement Reference Sheets and Templates are now available on the Procurement page under the "Reference Sheets" drop down.
This project represents a strong collaboration between OSPI and Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) to provide clear, practical, and accessible procurement guidance to better support sponsors across child nutrition programs.
The following OSPI Reference Sheets were added/updated:
These resources are designed to:
- Clarify federal and state procurement requirements
- Strengthen compliant purchasing practices
- Provide practical templates to streamline documentation
- Support the use of geographic preference and Washington-grown products when applicable
Together, these tools are intended to serve as a clear and reliable resource for sponsors navigating procurement processes. OSPI encourages sponsors to review the updated sheets and begin integrating them into their procurement practices.
OSPI thanks LEAs for their effort to submit the first upload for 2026 Summer EBT so that eligible students can receive benefits this summer.
Join the March 5 School Meal Programs Monthly Webinar to learn more about a new verification process for Summer EBT.
There are two more Summer EBT upload periods. In these periods, LEAs will only submit data for newly eligible or enrolled students.
Upload Period
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Start Date
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End Date
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Period 1
All Eligible Students
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February 17, 2026
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February 27, 2026
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Period 2
Only newly eligible since Period 1 upload
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April 13, 2026
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April 24, 2026
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Period 3
Only newly eligible since Period 2 upload
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May 26, 2026
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June 5, 2026
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Questions? Please contact SummerEBT@k12.wa.us.
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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: March 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.
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