8/3/26 C.A.R.E. - Food Distribution Programs Newsletter

Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction sent this bulletin at 08/05/2026 01:21 PM PDT

Food Distribution Program C.A.R.E.: Week of August 3, 2026

Update: Washington Wildfires
Update: USDA Direct Delivery (Commodities)
Update: DoD Fresh Produce
Update: Diversions
Update: Washington Food Distribution Management System Update
Update: USDA Foods Commodity Rates
USDA Product of the Month
Important Dates to Remember

Update: Washington Wildfires

The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) would like to acknowledge the impact of the recent wildfires on individuals, communities, and child nutrition programs throughout Washington. OSPI is monitoring the situation and has been in contact with affected sponsors to support them as they troubleshoot operational challenges and explore available waivers where appropriate.

Update: USDA Direct Delivery (Commodities)

September Order Period Open August 5–12

September orders open Wednesday, August 5 and close Wednesday, August 12 at 4 pm.

Surplus orders open Thursday, August 13 at 1 pm for groups 1 and 2, 1:30 pm for group 3, and 2 pm for group 4.

Upcoming Trainings

School Year 2025–26 School Meal Program Monthly Webinar Series

Monthly, October through June.

Time: 2–3 pm

Register

Surplus closes Friday, August 14 at 4 pm.

Please remember to notify the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) of delivery information updates.

Fill out the Delivery Updates Form for changes to the delivery contact person or delivery address change.

USDA Food Complaints

Resources

Update: DoD Fresh Produce

On July 18, the FFAVORS login URL changed. The recommended procedure to log into FFAVORS is as follows:

1. Bookmark this page:

https://www.fna.usda.gov/usda-foods/ffavors

2. Click the green "FFAVORS Login" button

3. A re-direct will take users to the new URL. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will update FFAVORS login link soon.

If issues arise using the recommended procedure above, use the temporary direct new URL below.

NEW URL: ffavors.alf.fns.usda.gov/FFAVORS_WEB/USDAProduce/default.aspx

Users that have problems logging in should clear the browser cache, close ALL browser windows and try again.

Need assistance? Contact the FFAVORS help desk at sm.fn.ffavors@usda.gov.

Program Reminders:

Orders must be received within two days of delivery. After three days, the receipt of delivery is past due, and orders cannot be placed for that site.

Use the forms below to submit requests during the year. Requests will be processed and reviewed after the 10th of each month.

Questions? Email Sarah Davis or call 360-725-6215.

Update: Diversions

Use the 2026-27 Diversion Adjustment Request Form to submit adjustment requests during the year. Check CNPweb message board for processors with available pounds.

Steps to take before submitting an adjustment request:

Ensure entitlement funds are available in CNPweb.
When requesting additional pounds, check the list of processors to see if pounds are available.
When returning pounds to the state, check the processor tracking systems to see if you have the pounds to return.

Questions? Email Sarah Davis or call 360-725-6215.

Update: Washington Food Distribution Management System Update

The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) has postponed the launch of the Washington Allocation and Commodity Entitlement System (W-ACES). CNPweb, Washington’s current food distribution management system, will continue to be used for the 2026–27 school year.

For more information, review the 7/27 CNS Special Update.

Update: USDA Foods Commodity Rates

USDA recently released the Value of Donated Foods rates for July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027.

For National School Lunch Program (NSLP) the effective SY2026–27 rate is $0.4700. This includes the per meal rate (.3200 cents) PLUS the 12% provision dollars, and the $20 Million breakfast dollars for NSLP. The Planned Assistance Level (PAL) is based on the total lunches served from the previous school year.
The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) per meal cash in lieu of USDA foods rate is $0.3200.

USDA Product of the Month

OSPI is spotlighting USDA Foods item 110361 ‐ Applesauce, Unsweetened, Cups in August.

Product Description

This item is U.S. Grade A unsweetened applesauce. This product is available in cases containing 96 4.5-ounce individual portion plastic cups.

Culinary Tips and Recipes

Serve applesauce cups plain or add toppings, such as raisins or cinnamon and nutmeg, to make a healthy dessert.
Use individually portioned applesauce cups for field trips, snacks, or breakfast in the classroom.
For culinary techniques and recipe ideas, visit the Institute of Child Nutrition or USDA’s Team Nutrition.

USDA Product Information Sheets provide basic product information, and the USDA Foods Database provides vendor-specific nutrition, allergen, and ingredient information.

Important Dates to Remember

August 6 & 13	School Meal Programs Annual Training
August 5-12	September USDA Foods Regular Order Period
August 13-14	September USDA Foods Surplus Order Period

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.

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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OSPI provides equal access to all programs and services without discrimination based on sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. Questions and complaints of alleged discrimination should be directed to the Equity and Civil Rights Director, P.O. Box 47200, Olympia, WA 98504-7200, 360-725-6162 (TTY: 360-664-3631), equity@k12.wa.us.

This Institution is an Equal Opportunity Provider.