Seattle Expands Free School Meals Featuring Fresh, Locally Sourced Ingredients

Seattle is expanding access to nutritious school meals through a citywide initiative that provides free breakfast and lunch to students at Seattle Public Schools while supporting the use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Beginning in the 2026–27 school year, every SPS student can receive one free breakfast and one free lunch each school day, regardless of family income or school location. The program was expanded through a partnership between the City of Seattle and Seattle Public Schools.

Alongside free meals, the city's Healthy Food in Schools initiative supports the district's efforts to prepare more food from fresh ingredients purchased from local farmers, fisheries, and food businesses. The program also encourages culturally relevant menus and partnerships with underrepresented local food producers.

Seattle Public Schools is working to improve meal quality through staff training, menu development, and greater student participation in food planning. The broader effort aims to make school meals more nutritious, accessible, and representative of the community.

Families are encouraged to complete the district's Child Nutrition Eligibility & Education Benefits (CNEEB) application. Although meals are free for all students, the information helps schools maintain funding and connect eligible families with additional benefits.

The free meal program covers one complete breakfast and one complete lunch per student each school day. Additional meals, snacks, and individual à la carte items may still cost extra.

Key Information

• Program: Universal Free School Meals
• School District: Seattle Public Schools
• Start: 2026–27 school year
• Included: One free breakfast and one free lunch per student each school day
• Food Initiative: Healthy Food in Schools
• Local sourcing: Farmers, fisheries, and community food businesses