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House panel hears bill to codify OSPI-managed Washington Local Foods program for schools
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Summary
House Bill 2,369 would establish a Washington Local Food for Schools Program at OSPI to help schools procure Washington‑grown foods through USDA distribution channels; backers said the measure reduces logistical burdens for districts and supports local farmers.
Representative Christine Reeves, prime sponsor of House Bill 2,369, told the committee the measure would codify and broaden successful Farm‑to‑School efforts by authorizing the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction to procure Washington‑grown products into the existing USDA distribution warehouses and create a catalog to simplify ordering for districts.
"This bill attempts to codify a program that you all have supported previously," Reeves said, pointing to the need to sustain local procurement as federal supports changed. Staff briefing by Ethan Moreno explained that the bill directs OSPI to collaborate with the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA), Department of Enterprise Services, Department of Health and Washington State University to develop procurement procedures, vendor assistance and ordering windows, and that OSPI may accept gifts, grants or endowments to support the program.
Witnesses from rural educational service districts, farm‑to‑school networks, aggregators and commodity groups described practical benefits. Kendra Dean (ESD 101) said increased access to local foods improves meal quality and student participation in small rural districts. Claire Lane of the Anti Hunger Nutrition Coalition described OSPI’s approach to integrating local items into statewide warehouses so districts can order without pursuing competitive grants for each project. Food‑hub operators and producers testified that a statewide catalog and OSPI procurement would streamline logistics and encourage more producers to participate.
OSPI’s chief nutrition officer Leanne Echo explained that OSPI administers a USDA food distribution program, and the bill would authorize OSPI to procure Washington‑grown items into the same warehouses and distribute them alongside federally procured foods, reducing contracting burdens for districts.
Public testimony included students and school leaders who said fresher, locally grown food improves nutrition and engagement. The hearing closed after the vice chair read sign‑in totals (455 pro, 64 con, 1 other). The committee did not take a vote during the session; next steps depend on amendment filings and executive session scheduling.
