11/12/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Boys & Girls Clubs of the Columbia Basin Earns USDA Gold Award for Free Summer Meals Program
MOSES LAKE, WA – November 2026 – The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Columbia Basin has earned national recognition from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), receiving the prestigious 2025 Turnip the Beet! Gold Award for its Summer Food Service Program. This marks an exciting milestone for the organization, moving up from the Silver Award received for 2024.
The USDA's Turnip the Beet! Awards recognize outstanding summer meal program sponsors across the country that go above and beyond to provide children with meals that are nutritious, appetizing, and appealing. The Gold Award represents the highest level of recognition in the program.
For the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Columbia Basin, this recognition reflects a continued commitment to ensuring children have access to nutritious meals throughout the summer, when school is out and many families face additional challenges accessing consistent food resources.
Through its summer meal program, BGCCB works to bring more than just a meal to local children. The organization incorporates fresh, locally sourced foods, nutrition education, hands-on agricultural experiences, and opportunities for youth to explore where their food comes from. From farm visits and taste tests to garden-based activities, the goal is to make healthy eating engaging, accessible, and something kids can get excited about.
"This recognition is a reflection of the teamwork and dedication happening across our entire organization," said Jill Smith "Our Site Directors, Director of Child Nutrition, and Club Leadership team have worked together to continually strengthen our summer meal program and create meaningful food experiences for the kids we serve. Moving from Silver to Gold is something we are incredibly proud of, and it represents the collective effort of so many people who care deeply about making sure that all kids in our Moses Lake community have access to nutritious, quality meals."
The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Columbia Basin is proud to serve youth and families throughout Grant and Kittitas Counties. Its free summer meal program through the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)'s Child Nutrition department is an important part of the organization's commitment to ensuring all young people have the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive.
The Club extends its gratitude to its staff, community partners, local farmers, and supporters who help make this work possible. This Gold Award belongs to everyone who plays a part in making sure local kids have access to nutritious food and opportunities to build healthy habits.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of the Columbia Basin
The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Columbia Basin (BGCCB) provides safe, supportive, and enriching environments where young people can learn, grow, and reach their full potential. Serving youth throughout 8 Clubs in Grant and Kittitas Counties, BGCCB offers programs focused on academic success, healthy lifestyles, good character and citizenship, and leadership development. Low-cost and free program registration is still open to new & returning Club members for the 26/27 school year at www.BNGClub.org.
