Child Nutrition

Child Nutrition Newsletters

Food Distribution Program Updates

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  1. Mandatory List: USDA requires CNS to share mandatory information to program sponsors. If you are listed as the program contact in the WINS Application you will receive weekly updates.
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2026

March

C.A.R.E.: Week of March 2

  • Update: USDA Direct Delivery (Commodities)
  • Update: DoD Fresh Produce
  • Update: Diversions
  • USDA Product of the Month
  • Important Dates to Remember

February

CNS Special Update February 11

  • Special Update: Food Distribution Program (FDP) Training Now Available in Canvas

C.A.R.E.: Week of February 2

  • Update: 2026–27 School Year Pre-Order Process
  • Update: USDA Direct Delivery (Commodities)
  • USDA Product of the Month
  • Important Dates to Remember

January

C.A.R.E.: Week of January 14

  • Update: Last Chance to Register for the USDA Foods Show
  • Update: USDA Direct Delivery (Commodities)
  • Update: USDA Foods Interest Survey
  • Update: 2026–27 School Year Pre-Order Process
  • USDA Product of the Month
  • Important Dates to Remember

2025

December

C.A.R.E.:  Week of December 1

  • Update: Washington Local Foods (WaLF) Program Expands Local Foods in Schools
  • Update: Register to Attend the USDA Foods Show
  • Update: Direct Delivery (Commodities)
  • Update: Inclement Weather and Emergency Closures
  • USDA Product of the Month
  • Important Dates to Remember

November

C.A.R.E.: Week of November 3

  • Update: Register for the 2026 USDA Food Show
  • Update: Direct Delivery (Commodities)
  • Update: DoD Fresh Produce
  • Update: Diversions
  • Update: Inclement Weather and Emergency Closures
  • USDA Product of the Month
  • Important Dates to Remember

October

C.A.R.E: Week of October 6

  • Update: Direct Delivery (Commodities)
  • Update: DoD Fresh Produce
  • Update: Diversions
  • Update: Save the Date — 2026 USDA Food Show
  • Update: 2026–27 W-Code Interest Survey
  • Update: Product Availability
  • Important Dates to Remember

September

C.A.R.E.: Week of September 8

S.S.T.A.R: Week of September 3

August

C.A.R.E.: Week of August 18

July

S.S.T.A.R.: Week of July 28

C.A.R.E.: Week of July 14

June

S.S.T.A.R.: Week of June 23

C.A.R.E.: Week of June 9

CNS Special Update: June 5

  • Update: Paid Lunch Equity Guidance for School Year 2025–26

May

S.S.T.A.R.: Week of May 27

C.A.R.E.: Week of May 12

April

S.S.T.A.R.: Week of April 28

C.A.R.E.: Week of April 14

CNS Special Update: April 11

  • Update: SY 2025–26 CEP Eligibility Report — Now Available!

CNS Special Update: April 3

  • Update: Clarification on CEP Requirements for 2025–26

March

S.S.T.A.R.: Week of March 24

CNS Special Update: March 24

  • Update: Local Food for Schools and Local Food for Childcare

C.A.R.E.: Week of March 10

February

S.S.T.A.R.: Week of February 24

C.A.R.E.: Week of February 10

January

S.S.T.A.R.: Week of January 27

C.A.R.E.: Week of January 13

2024

December

Week of December 9

November

October

September

August

July

June

  • Week of June 17
    • Child Nutrition Special Update: Supply Chain Assistance Funds

May

April

March

February

January

2023

December

November

October

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July

June

May

April

March

February

January
 

2022

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January

2021

December

November

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September

August

July

June

May

April

March

February

January

2020

December

November

October

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.

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