Food Help > Free School Meals
Free School Meals
Washington students can access a nutritious breakfast and lunch every school day, all school year long.
Eat. Learn. Succeed.
School meals help make sure students have access to nutritious food during the school day so they can learn, grow, and thrive.
Does your student’s school offer free meals to all students?
Many schools across Washington provide breakfast and lunch at no cost to every student, regardless of household income. If your student attends one of these schools, you do not need to apply or provide income information for your student to receive free meals.
Check your school’s website or contact the school office to find out if meals are free for all students.
Your student may qualify for free school meals.
Even if your student’s school does not provide meals at no cost for all, your household may still qualify for free school meals through application. Eligibility depends on whether your household’s income meets federally set limits for the 2026-2027 school year.
To apply for free school meals for your student, ask for an application at your child’s school office or use OSPI’s School Meals Application Finder to find your school district’s online meal application.
Why complete a school meal application?
Even if your student can access meals at no cost at their school, completing a meal application may provide additional benefits for your family and school community.
Get SUN Bucks. Students who are eligible and enrolled in free school meals will also receive SUN Bucks, which provides extra money for food during the summer.
Save on school fees. Students who qualify for free meals may qualify to have other school fees waived, including field trip and athletic fees.
Support your school. Meal applications help schools and districts identify students who qualify for additional resources and funding.
School Meals and Immigration: What to Know
Students do not need to be U.S. citizens to receive school meals.
Federal guidance around public charge changed on September 18, 2026. For some families pursuing a green card, where public charge is a consideration, receiving school meals may be considered a public charge determination.
Share What Free School Meals Mean to You
Your voice matters! Help us advocate for access to nutritious free school meals for all students in Washington by sharing what this program means to you and your family.
Your School May Offer Other Food Resources
Schools may offer additional food resources for students, including free afterschool snacks or meals, weekend backpack programs, and other community food resources. Ask your student’s school office what resources are available.