We are working the front lines of hunger... all across Washington State.

We are your coalition of emergency food providers, governed and directed by people in the trenches, representing all areas of the state. We are based in community to serve our communities. Gathering strength through peers, organizing to find common goals, bringing our shared values together to create a strong collective voice of the emergency food system.


Resiliency Grants, Round 3  Spring 2023

Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) Food Assistance (FA) is excited to announce the opening of applications for the third round of Resiliency Grants May 2023. 

To help address critical needs of hunger relief organizations across Washington, WSDA FA is offering the Resiliency Grants Program with approximately $5 million in federal funding to eligible hunger relief organizations, including those not currently participating in FA core programs. We encourage all eligible organizations involved in hunger relief work in Washington State to apply. 

The Resiliency Grants and Initiatives Committee, a diverse advisory group, helps inform the design of this program. 

This funding will prioritize: 

  • Representation across funding categories.
  • Statewide representation to meet critical organizational and community needs.
  • Addressing the long-lasting impacts of COVID-19 on organizations and service communities. 
  • Underserved communities including rural or less densely populated regions, tribes, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.
  • Projects that can be accomplished within the agreement period considering current supply chain challenges. 

Funding objectives. Through this program, WSDA will fund projects that bring immediate benefit to the community and target the following objectives: 

  • Food: Food purchases for distribution as groceries or meals; costs associated with transporting food; delivery vehicles; culturally familiar foods; etc. 
  • Operations: Costs associated with regular or expanded operations (rent, insurance, staffing, supplies, etc.)
  • Client Services: To support inclusive and welcoming service environments; increased access to services and reduced barriers; costs associated with concepts that enhance the client experience such as client-choice models and translation; etc. 

Funds will be awarded under the following categories: 

  • Small equipment under $4,999.99: A shorter application with fewer reporting requirements. Hosted by Harvest Against Hunger www.harvestagainsthunger.org/refrigerated-capacity-grants
  • FA Core Program Participants: At least 45% of awards will be to organizations who currently participate (or have since 2019) in FA core programs*. Maximum award size $125,000.00. 
  • Non-FA Core Program Participants: At least 30% of awards will be to organizations who have never participated (or not since 2019) in FA core programs*. Maximum award size $100,000.00.
  • TEFAP and/or CSFP Sub Agencies: At least 15% of awards will be to organizations who are currently sub agencies of these programs. Funding for operational costs, including staffing. Maximum award size $20,000.00.
  • *FA Core Programs: EFAP, EFAP-Tribal, TEFAP, CFSP. 

Percentages are subject to change to meet funding priorities and based on final applications. 

Contract period: July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024. 

Resiliency Grant Info Sessions:

  • Wednesday, May 17th   9-10 a.m. 
  • Wednesday, May 24th   9-10 a.m. 
  • Wednesday, May 31st   9-10 a.m. 

Recording of Grant Info Sessions found here. 

Current and active System of Award Management (SAM) and Secretary of State (SOS) registrations are required. Additional information including definitions and eligibility requirements at agr.wa.gov/services/food-access/hunger-relief-resources/food-assistance-grants/resiliency-grants

 Application guides will be translated into the following languages: Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, Ukrainian, Somali, Korean, Chinese Mandarin, Tagalog. If other languages or documents are needed, please contact [email protected] 


 

   EFAP Subcontractors and Contractors Meetings Recordings 

 

Recording of the Subcontractors meeting, click here.  
Passcode: 9G*2eP&&

PowerPoint of presentation, click here

 EFAP Subcontractors meeting chat box dialog.pdf


Recording of the Contractors meeting, click here
Passcode: 4Ymb*..6

PowerPoint of presentation, Click here.  

 EFAP Contractors meeting chat box dialog.pdf

EFAP Open Q & A Hours Focus: EFAP Biennial Meetings & Application Process   
Tuesdays from 10 to 11 a.m., March 21st - May 30th
  • Clarifying policies
  • Problem Solving
  • Overall Guidance 

To join these calls:

Join on your computer, mobile app or room device
Meeting ID: 210 265 647 763
Passcode: Jeq99R
Or call in (audio only)
+1 564-999-2000,,950640900#   United States, Olympia
Phone Conference ID: 950 640 900#
The EFAP Procedures Manual is on our Forms & Pubs page under EFAP. It is being updated, so please check back in the next coming weeks for the updated version. 
https://agr.wa.gov/services/food-access/hunger-relief-agency-hub/fa-forms-and-pubs 

Renew Your WFC Membership Today! 

 To renew your membership for 2023 click here. It's quick and easy. Membership is based on a sliding schedule of your food program's budget starting as low as $25/yr. 

Your membership comes with many benefits including:  

                • Discounted fee to our annual conference and other trainings and events
                • A discounted copy of valuable resources manuals, and discounted pricing on additional copies – Food Safety, Special Dietary Needs, Food Banking 101, and Best Practices. 
                • Weekly, monthly e-newsletters and quarterly newsletters
                • Training opportunities for staff & volunteers plus technical assistance, answering your questions about programs and services, models and best practices, how to get started, and more.
                • On-line Food Bank Certification course for your staff/volunteers
                • Access to a discounted membership with WA Nonprofits, for even more fabulous trainings that are offered both online and in person, all across the state
                • Access to over 300 other WFC members – your colleagues in the fight against hunger!
                • You have a vote in the election of your District representatives.
                • Discounted agency insurance through Conover/Great American Insurance. 

  If your EFAP lead pays your membership dues, we will notify you when they pay on your behalf.


 WFC NEW Job Board 

WFC's Job Board!

Post your open positions, internships, contract positions, plus your part time and fulltime positions.  Post your resume and sign up for texts to notify you of new job openings. 

Link here to the job board: https://wfc.mcjobboard.net/jobs or check it on Quick Links. 

Help support the work of the Washington Food Coalition by making your tax deductible donation today. The WFC supports food programs across the State of Washington by providing technical assistance, and more recently, by providing information and resources on COVID-19. We are sending out a e-newsletter to all members and friends on current COVID resources from the Department of Health, WSDA, the USDA and the Center for Disease Control, plus many others. We have distributed supplies such as gloves, masks, hand sanitizer and signage, to assist programs across the state in serving their clients. We are sponsoring a variety of trainings to inform our members how to navigate during these unprecedented times. 


WFC's Quarterly Newsletter - Spring 2023 

Our Spring 2023 Quarterly Newsletter is now available for your reading pleasure! 

This quarter's newsletter includes an article from WSDA recapping the EFAP process, new funding, and a look to the future. Claire Lane with the AHNC provided an update on the state legislative session and a look to the Farm Bill. Also included, is a glimpse of the WFC annual conference and a Save the Date for the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive.

 If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to contact Trish at [email protected]

   

 

  


COVID RESOURCES 

 WSDA is hosting calls every month on Tuesdays from 9:00 am to 10:00 am, for Food Assistance program subcontractors and contractors to hear the latest news on programs and resources affecting programs during the COVID-19 virus. Calls are optional. 

Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.

Microsoft Teams meeting

Join on your computer or mobile app

EFAP and TEFAP Contractors have their own calls monthly on Fridays. Contact WSDA to get information to join those calls. 

There is a lot going on in our state right now and I encourage you to stay informed of news regarding Covid-19, a strain of the Coronavirus, and how you can protect yourself and those you serve. 


COVID-19 - Resources We Created For You!  

PowerPoint on Distribution Models: 

The coalition created a new resource on food distribution methods and what it means to move into the next phases of the Governor's Stay Home, Stay Safe Plan. To view the PowerPoint click here


NEW RIVISED GUIDANCE SHEETS: (8/22)

The WFC REVISED simplified guidance sheets on four topics including Masks and Facial Covering, What to Do When a Staff Person or Volunteer has COVID Symptoms, and Distributing Food Indoors and Outdoors.

Each sheet boils down the important points you need to know and to follow. They are footnoted with sources and provide links to state policies from DOH, L & I and the Governor’s Proclamations.

The WFC revised guidance sheets include: 

Download and print as needed for staff and volunteers.