Local foods take center stage on cafeteria trays this Taste Washington Day

OLYMPIA, Wash – Stop by a school cafeteria on October 7th and you are likely to find trays full of Washington fruit and veggies alongside local meat, seafood, grains, dairy, and more. On this day, schools and farms will come together to serve fresh, local foods in delicious school meals and teach kids about the bounty of Washington agriculture. Celebrated annually, Taste Washington Day is a special day to highlight these connections and invite students to learn about the importance of agriculture and local food systems in their urban and rural communities alike.

This year, Governor Bob Ferguson proclaimed October 7, 2026 as Taste Washington Day, helping to launch National Farm to School Month.

“Agriculture is a cornerstone of Washington’s economy,” Governor Bob Ferguson said. “Taste Washington Day celebrates the hardworking farmers who make Washington a leader in agriculture and make sure kids across our state have access to fresh, delicious, and healthy local food.”

Many schools serve local foods from Washington farms all year long. On Taste Washington Day, schools celebrate in many ways. All kinds of celebratory activities will happen, from the “Washington Apple Crunch” at noon, to “meet your farmer” events and local food taste tests, offering opportunities for children to try something new.

Impacts of farm to school

Since 2019, WSDA data shows schools are purchasing more food from more local farms. Building on the longtime work of the WSDA Farm to School Program and partners across the state, Washington is changing the way schools buy food to support more local farms. When schools buy from local farms they contribute to stronger, more resilient local food systems.

Many partners work together in new ways to help farms get their food to more schools. One effective partnership is between the Northeast Washington Educational Service District (NEWESD) 101 and farms in rural communities. Since 2023, ESD 101 Farm to School Coordinators have helped smaller, rural school districts use their WSDA Farm to School Purchasing Grants to buy over $1 million in local food from more than 150 local farms and food businesses.

Another partnership is between WSDA and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). The two agencies brought their expertise together to support OSPI’s launch of a new state-wide local food purchasing initiative. Initially using federal Local Food for Schools dollars, the Washington Local Foods program has generated over $5.8 million in local food purchases since 2023. Taste Washington Day celebrates these and the many other ways partners are working together to create new opportunities for schools to buy more local food and for farmers to reach new markets.

“Taste Washington Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the triple-win of farm to school,” said WSDA Director Derek Sandison. “Schools win, farmers win and communities win when students have access to high quality, nutritious foods essential for growing minds and bodies. Farmers win when they have access to reliable school markets. Communities win when purchasing dollars are invested back into the local economy.”

About WSDA Regional Markets and farm to school

As a part of the WSDA Regional Markets Program, the Farm to School Program helps local farms and food businesses connect with schools to get more local food into the lunchroom so kids can thrive in the classroom. Through expert guidance, collaborations and grants, WSDA Farm to School makes it easier for more schools to purchase more food from Washington farms. By working together with partners, the program builds and maintains resilient food systems that support a robust, responsive economy for all Washingtonians.

“Taste Washington Day is a special day when we shine a light on the schools, farms and community partners working hard all year long to bring delicious, Washington grown foods to kids’ trays," said Annette Slonim, WSDA Farm to School Lead. "It’s a special opportunity for students to deepen their appreciation for local food by learning how it grows and the people who grow it."

Nearly 70 school districts and 40 farms have already committed to participating in Taste Washington Day this year. There’s still time for additional schools and farms to join in with activities. The celebration, now in its 17th year, is coordinated by WSDA with support from the Washington School Nutrition Association (WSNA) and Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).

For more information, visit the WSDA Farm to School’s Taste Washington Day webpage or contact WSDA Farm to School lead, Annette Slonim, at annette.slonim@agr.wa.gov or 206-714-2757. For media inquiries, please contact WSDA Communications at pio@agr.wa.gov.

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