Child Nutrition Cooperative Member Districts Receive Farm-to-School Grants

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) awarded more than $140,000 to members of our Child Nutrition Cooperative (CNC) through the 2025–27 Farm to School Purchasing Grant program.

Recipients can use the funds to purchase foods grown, raised, caught, or foraged in Washington. The funds help create a reciprocal relationship between farmers and schools: schools invest funds in local farms and ranches, and local farms and ranches provide high-quality, culturally relevant foods for school meal programs.

Our CNC member districts comprised nearly 10% of the total school recipients statewide. The 2024–25 member districts awarded funds are: 

• Brinnon School District, $14,000
• Cape Flattery School District, $21,000
• Dieringer School District, $14,000
• Grapeview School District, $20,000
• Hood Canal School District, $21,000
• Lake Quinault School District, $14,000
• McCleary School District, $16,000
• Oakville School District, $22,000

ESD 113 districts Aberdeen, Hoquiam, Pe Ell, and Wishkah Valley also received farm-to-school purchasing grants.

About the Child Nutrition Cooperative

Founded in 2016 at ESD 101, the CNC provides statewide school food service support. Since the launch of the ESD 113 CNC in 2022, we've supported more than 15 districts through professional development, grantwriting, recipe creation, farm-to-school procurement, and more. Our CNC team works directly with school district food service personnel to offer training and support. 

We offer a yearlong membership program, as well as individualized support options for non-members. 

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