OLYMPIA, WA – School cafeterias across Washington are serving up locally grown foods this October as part of the 16th annual Taste Washington Day. More than 35 farms and food producers, along with over 50 school districts, have already committed to the 2025 celebration, with additional schools expected to join.
Governor Bob Ferguson proclaimed October 8, 2025, as Taste Washington Day, coinciding with the start of National Farm to School Month. “Agriculture is a cornerstone of Washington’s economy,” Ferguson said. “Taste Washington Day celebrates the hardworking farmers who make Washington a leader in agriculture and teaches kids about the value of eating healthy and local.”
The program is coordinated by the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) and the Washington School Nutrition Association, with support from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. Schools may celebrate on the official date or choose another day during October.
Menus will spotlight Washington-grown foods, from salmon chowder and beef birria tacos to locally milled flour pancakes and emmer farro grain salads. Fresh produce such as apples, pears, grapes, squash, and mixed greens will also feature prominently.
WSDA Director Derek Sandison called the program a “triple-win” for schools, farmers, and communities. “Students have access to nutritious foods, farmers benefit from reliable school markets, and local economies thrive when purchasing dollars stay close to home,” Sandison said.
Beyond the cafeteria, many schools are planning classroom activities, garden harvests, and farmer visits to help students learn where their food comes from. One highlight is the “Great Washington Apple Crunch,” when students across the state will take a simultaneous bite of a Washington-grown apple at noon on October 8.
“Taste Washington Day is a fantastic way for students to deepen their appreciation for local food by learning how it grows and where it comes from,” said Annette Slonim, WSDA’s Farm to School Lead.
For more information, visit agr.wa.gov or the WSDA Farm to School program webpage.
