Boys and Girls Clubs of the Columbia Basin—
Powering Up Interest in Fresh and Local Foods
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During school year (SY) 2025–26, child nutrition program sponsors from across the state participated in Power Up Your Program courses to enhance their programs through nutrition education, culturally inclusive meals, and marketing and promotion strategies. The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) is excited to highlight different ways that participants have boosted engagement and partnerships, enhanced their menus, and expanded opportunities for food and nutrition education. |
Boys and Girls Clubs of the Columbia Basin— Market and Farm Field Trips Inspire Early Learners to Taste Fruits and Vegetables
Jessie Pelham, Child Nutrition Coordinator and Boys & Girls Clubs of the Columbia Basin, worked hard to incorporate more fresh and local foods into afterschool and summer meals. In partnership with a local farmer, she organized a farm field trip, where Club members explored fruit orchards, learned how fruit is grown, and enjoyed freshly picked apples.
Jessie also partnered with the Moses Lake Farmers Market to organize three market visits, where children connected with local farmers, sampled new foods, and blended their own pedal-powered fruit smoothies on a smoothie bike. Through these visits, Jessie connected with additional local farmers and a college nutrition faculty member, sparking ideas for future collaborations to purchase local fruits and vegetables and create new nutrition education opportunities.
Interested in Powering Up Your Program?
In SY 2026–27 and beyond, the Power Up Your Program Canvas courses will be available in a self-guided format and open to all Child Nutrition Program sponsors. Watch upcoming S.S.T.A.R. newsletters for an announcement when the Canvas courses open for enrollment.
Applications for the Summer Rooted in Excellence Awards are open! These awards were created to celebrate outstanding summer meal sponsors across Washington state who demonstrate innovation, leadership, and commitment to child nutrition.
Summer Food Service Sponsors are invited to apply for one award in the following categories:
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- Culturally Inclusive Meals
- Farm to Summer
- Leadership
- Marketing and Promotion
- Menu Planning Champion
- Non-Congregate Excellence
- Nutrition Education
- Partnerships and Engagement
- Scratch Cooking
Award recipients receive:
- Personalized certificate
- Digital award badge
- Recognition on the OSPI website
- Graphics and sample text for use on social media
- Press release
- And more!
Apply online today! Applications close on September 1. For more information, review this FAQ document or email SummerMeals@k12.wa.us with questions.
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The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) is excited to announce the launch of Harvest of the Season! Funded by a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm to School Grant, Harvest of the Season is a comprehensive initiative to support Child Nutrition Program operators incorporate foods from Washington in the kitchen, classrooms, and at home. |
For each of the 24 local foods featured, resources include:
- A short video that introduces the item and give ideas for how it can be served in Child Nutrition Programs.
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Cafeteria Connections that give tips for crediting, storing, and preparing the food.
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Classroom Connections that include activities that encourage children to try and engage with the food.
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Family Newsletters that provide content sponsors can send to families so they can continue to enjoy Harvest of the Season at home.
- Colorful poster image files to print and use to promote the Harvest of the Season.
In addition to the food-specific resources above, there are general resources that can help support adopting Harvest of the Season:
- Window clings for the salad bar with space to write in the featured foods.
- A seasonality wheel to help with menu planning and promote seasonal eating.
- Sourcing guides for child nutrition programs and for families with tips for finding the item from large-scale food purchasing to the grocery store.
This initiative was completed with generous support from the partner planning group.
As summer begins, the USDA is asking for your help in promoting Second Lady Usha Vance’s 2026 Summer Reading Challenge. The 2026 Summer Reading Challenge aims to build strong literacy skills, and help ensure that children go back to school confidently and prepared to learn.
How to participate: From June 1 through September 4, children entering grades K-8 may read any 12 books and share a reflection to qualify for prizes, including a chance to visit Washington D.C.
Sponsors can:
- Post flyers at meal sites.
- Share the Reading Log with children as they pick up their meals.
- Partner with schools or public libraries to provide books for students to read while they eat their meals.
- Conduct book drives by asking members of the community to donate used books, or work with local literacy organizations, to provide books that students can take home.
- Highlight the Summer Reading Challenge Leaderboard for some friendly competition.
For more information, please visit SLOTUS Reading Challenge | Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Farm to Summer Success Stories
 Want Your Farm to Summer Story or Crunch Moment Stories Featured!
OSPI wants to hear about the incredible work and sponsor experiences, from Farm to Summer journeys or Summer crunch celebrations! Share your experiences and highlight your success stories on social media with the #WAFarmtoSummer. It’s a great way to inspire others and showcase the importance of local foods. Send your stories to Farmtocnp@k12.wa.us.
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