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Yakima School District expands farm‑to‑school efforts, Eat Real assessment and may reduce chocolate milk
Summary
Child Nutrition Director Cassie Davidson outlined partnerships, a USDA SCALES grant application, Eat Real certification work and significant increases in breakfast and lunch participation. United Way of King County presented a Closing the Hunger Gap award for the district’s breakfast‑after‑the‑bell program.
The Yakima School Board received a detailed Child Nutrition report on March 18 outlining local sourcing plans, a USDA grant application, an Eat Real assessment and program changes tied to new sugar limits.
Why it matters: The district reported substantially higher meal participation this school year and is pursuing grants and partnerships to increase locally sourced food, reduce processed additives and align meals with higher nutrition standards that will take effect in the coming years.
Key points from the presentation
- Grants and partnerships: Cassie Davidson, Director of Child Nutrition, said Yakima is a partner in a multi‑district application for the USDA SCALES grant with Selah, West Valley, Ellensburg and a potential continuing partnership with Northwest Harvest. The grant would fund regional farm‑to‑school work, food ordering improvements and distribution; the award announcement was expected in April 2025 and the grant would run for two years if awarded.
- Eat Real assessment and timeline: The district has contracted with EatReal.org for a nutrition…
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