Seattle Public Schools

Culinary Services

Free Student Meals

Applying for Child Nutrition Eligibility and Education Benefits

Students approved for free school meals may be eligible to receive reduced fees for the following programs:

  • Students approved for free and reduced-price meals may also be eligible to receive reduced fees for the following programs:
  • Event Fees
  • Field Trips
  • Running Start Books
  • Associated Student Body (ASB) Fees
  • Pre-College Exams (PSAT/SAT/ACT)
  • College Application Fees
  • Yearbook Fees

Schools with free student meals

Schools with free meals for all students

Seattle Public Schools has several schools that will offer free meals (breakfast and lunch) for all students. See a list of schools that will offer free meals for all students.

See the schools

Who Should Apply for Free Student Meals?

You should complete the student free meals application if:

  • Your household income is the SAME or LESS than the amount on the income chart below.
  • You receive Basic Food.
  • You take part in the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR).
  • You receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
  • You are applying for a foster child.

Income Chart

USDA Child Nutrition Program Income Guidelines
Effective July 1–June 30, 2025

Family
Size
Yearly Gross IncomeMonthly Gross IncomeTwice Per Month Gross IncomeEvery Two Weeks Gross IncomeWeekly Gross Income
1$26,973$2,248$1,124$1,038$519
2$36,482$3,041$1,521$1,404$702
3$45,991$3,833$1,917$1,769$885
4$55,500$4,625$2,313$2,135$1,068
5$65,009$5,418$2,709$2,501$1,251
6$74,518$6,210$3,105$2,867$1,434
7$84,027$7,003$3,502$3,232$1,616
8$93,536$7,795$3,898$3,598$1,799
For each additional family member, add:+$9,509+$793+$397+$366+$183

How to Apply

We encourage all eligible families to submit a new application for school meals prior to the start of each new school year. However, applications are accepted anytime throughout the school year.

The application can be submitted online. Paper applications are also available below and at every school office and lunchroom.

For this school year, a universal form includes:

  • Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application
  • Family Income Survey

Online Application

This universal form is called the School Meals Application (or Child Nutrition Eligibility and Education Benefit or CNEEB).

Online application is available on MySchoolApps (effective August 7, 2024).

Paper Application

Download the instructions and applications below. Complete and accurate applications are required for timely processing.

Completed paper applications can be sent via email, fax, or mail to Culinary Services:

  • Email: culinaryservices@fc5v5.com
  • Fax: 206-252-0664
  • Culinary Services – MS: 32-372 Seattle Public Schools
    2445 3rd Ave S
    P.O. Box 34165
    Seattle, WA 98124

Translations Child Nutrition Eligibility and Education Benefit (CNEEB) Application and Letter to Households