Food Distribution

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Distribution or USDA Foods Program provides foods such as protein foods, fruit and vegetables, poultry and eggs, nuts, grains, oils and cheese to eligible Local Education Agencies (LEAs). Public and private schools, Residential Child Care Institutions (RCCIs), and approved state agencies that participate in the National School Lunch Program are eligible to receive foods purchased by USDA. Sponsors participating in the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) may also receive USDA foods as well as some Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) institutions.

Administering USDA Foods

• Food Distribution Newsletter Updates
• Ordering and Receiving

Program Application and Requirements

National School Lunch Program (NSLP), Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), and Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) sponsors are eligible to receive USDA Foods. The USDA allocates funds (entitlement) to OSPI which is then allocated to sponsoring organizations. Child Nutrition Program sponsors may then use these funds to spend on USDA Foods.

How USDA Foods Entitlement Amounts are Calculated

The Per Meal Rate for Local Education Agencies (LEAs) is based on Total Lunches Served (TLS) from the previous school year. Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) sponsors receive entitlement based on the number of meals served the previous summer. Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) sponsors may receive cash in lieu (CIL) for USDA foods.

Entitlement Rates for July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025

• NSLP Per Meal Rate: $0.4500 per lunch
• CACFP Cash In Lieu (CIL) Rate: $0.3000 per meal
• SFSP Per Meal Rate: Child Nutrition Services calculates rates in early spring and will directly communicate with sponsors when finalized.

Participating in Food Distribution

• Sponsor Application Instructions

Annual Reports

• Survey Request Report
• Value of Commodities Shipped Instructions

DoD Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program

Through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Department of Defense (DoD) Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, USDA is able to offer schools a wider variety of fresh produce than would normally be available through the USDA Foods program.

• Department of Defense (DOD) Vendor Update
  Password: USDADoDFresh2021

Note: This webinar is password protected and will require the password listed to watch.

SY 2024–25

• 2024–25 DoD Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Enrollment Form
• 2024–25 DOD Fresh Fruit & Vegetable New Site Form
• FFAVORS User Request Form
• 2024–25 DoD Allocation Adjustment Form

USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Pilot

The pilot supports the use of locally-grown foods in school meal programs using entitlement funds. The pilot requires 100% domestic product.

• USDA Unprocessed Fruits and Vegetables Pilot Webpage
• WSDA Unprocessed Fruits and Vegetables Pilot Webpage

SY 2024–25

• 2024–25 Unprocessed Fruits & Vegetables Pilot Application

Food Safety

A food recall is a company's voluntary action to remove product from commerce in order to protect the public from consuming adulterated or misbranded product.

Food recalls are very specific. Only a specific product produced during a specific time period is recalled. It is possible to have a different product made by the same manufacturer or the exact product, but in a different size or lot number. Lot numbers provide specific identifying information such as what plant a product was processed at, and the date and time of production.

Sign up to Receive Recall Notices

• Food Recall Notifications from USDA
• Food Safety Notifications from the Food and Drug Administration
• WA Department of Health Food Recalls and Safety Alerts

Training

USDA Training

• CN Label Verification Report
• USDA Foods Toolkit
• USDA Foods Ordering and Forecasting
• USDA Foods Order Management and Monitoring – Part 1 | Part 2

Training from Our State

• School Meal Programs Trainings Canvas

USDA Food Advisory Council

Help the State Make USDA Food decisions! The USDA Foods Advisory Council serves to assist the State Agency in decisions regarding USDA Foods. Council members help provide feedback and guidance for the state agency.

• Food Advisory Council Membership Application
• USDA Food Advisory Council Members

USDA Non-Discrimination Statement

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.