Now In Its 17th Year, Taste Washington Day Is Set For Wednesday

Taste Washington Day, an annual celebration and promotion of local food in school meals, will take place Wednesday, October 7th.

Annette Slonim, Washington State Department of Agriculture Farm to School lead, said the day is held in early October in honor of National Farm to School Month. She said over the nearly two decades, the celebration has changed and evolved.

When it first started, Taste Washington Day, Slonim said, it was a way to invite schools to learn about farm to school and about local sourcing, something she says is happening consistently statewide, year-round.

"But we still celebrate Taste Washington Day to bring attention to all that great work, those farm to school connections, the investments that schools are making in local farms and food and agriculture," Slonim said. "And also highlight everything, all the different people, the investments, the partnerships and collaborations that make farm to school possible in Washington."

Demonstrating How Close Ag Is To Washington Students

Slonim said a host of activities will take place in school districts across the state to highlight the important role agriculture plays in Washington and the important role fresh produce plays in a healthy diet. For example, WSDA will visit the Auburn School District in south King County.

"They partner very closely with farmers that are part of the Living Well Kent Collaborative," said Slonim. "So, these are farmers really growing in the backyard of the school district and making those direct connections to the students."

Wednesday Expected To Be Busy Across Washington

In addition to Taste Washington Day, Wednesday will also see the Great Washington Apple Crunch, when kids are encouraged to crunch into an iconic Washington apple during their lunch hour.

Visit the WSDA's Website to learn more about Taste Washington Day, or if you're a farmer interested in participating in the program.

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