10/30/26 Child Nutrition Services Special Update

Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction sent this bulletin at 10/30/2026 03:30 PM PDT

Child Nutrition Services Special Update, October 30, 2026

Action Item: Watch for an Email to Prepare for the 2027 Farm to School Census

Action Item: Watch for an Email to Prepare for the 2027 Farm to School Census

Preparations are beginning for the 2027 Farm to School Census! This month, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm to School Census study team will directly email all Washington School Food Authorities (SFAs) to confirm the correct contact for the Census.

What do SFAs Need to Do?

Watch for an email with the anticipated subject line “Let’s start planning for the 2027 Farm to School Census!” The email may come from F2SCensus2027@qemailserver.com or cnsurveys@usda.gov.

Respond to confirm the best contact for the SFA. All SFAs should respond, even if they do not have current farm to school activities. Response by all SFAs will help ensure the Census accurately reflects farm to school activities and needs across Washington.

What is the Farm to School Census?

The Farm to School Census is a national survey of more than 18,000 SFAs participating in the National School Lunch Program. The USDA conducts the survey every four years to collect information about farm to school activities, including the use of local foods and food and agriculture education in schools. It is the most comprehensive source of farm to school data in the country!

Why is the Farm to School Census Important?

Census results help USDA, policymakers, schools, partners, and producers better understand farm to school activities, their benefits and challenges, and opportunities to support and expand this work. In the 2023 Census, 71% of Washington SFAs responded with 77.9% reporting participation in farm to school activities! A strong response to the 2027 Census will show how much this work has grown and capture current challenges and resource needs. Every voice matters! A 100% response rate ensures the data accurately reflects the current landscape and no story goes untold.

Questions?

Please see 2027 Farm to School Census Frequently Asked Questions or email the USDA Farm to School Team, FN.FarmtoSchool@usda.gov
Contact OSPI, farmtocnp@k12.wa.us, for general farm to school support or questions.

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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.

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