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Edmonds School District

Free/Reduced Meals - Q&A

The Free/Reduced Meals Program allows students to receive free breakfast and lunch at school. Families qualify based on their income and number of people in the household. One form per family must be filled out every year to see if you qualify. By agreeing to share information, your students will qualify for free or reduced school fees like ASB, course fees and sports fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I qualify for free and reduced meals?
If your family meets the income guidelines, complete an application online in Skyward Family Access or a paper copy at your school then return to school.

Do I have to fill out a new application every year?
Yes, a new application must be filled out every school year to ensure that your students receive all the benefits associated with Free and Reduced Meals.

If your family is directly qualified by your participation in Department of Social and Health Services programs like EBT and some Medicaid programs, your family may automatically qualify. You will receive an email confirming your eligibility from the school district once your family is approved. If you don't see an approval letter, please contact the Food Service office or submit a new application.

How do I find out if my students are already approved for meal benefits?
You will receive an approval letter via email at the email address on file with your school.  If you did not receive a letter or have questions regarding your eligibility, call the Food & Nutrition Department at 425-431-7078.

How do I get my approval letter?
Letters are sent directly to the email we have on file and are also available via Skyward Family Access.  If you do not have an email address, we will mail a hard copy to you at the mailing address we have on file.

How much do school meals cost?
If you qualify for the Free/Reduced Meals Program, starting September 2022 breakfast and lunch will be FREE for both free and reduced students.
For those not on meal benefits, elementary students will pay $1.50 for breakfast and $3.25 for lunch.  Secondary students will be charged $1.75 for breakfast and $3.75 for lunch. 

Do some schools have free meals for all students?

Yes. House Bill 1238 passed the Washington State legislature in Spring 2023 extending free meals to all our students at elementary schools with over 40% of their students qualifying for free meals in October 2022.

Based on this data the following elementary schools will be providing free breakfast and lunch for all students in the 23-24 School year.

  • Beverly Elementary
  • Cedar Valley Elementary
  • Cedar Way Elementary 
  • Chase Lake Elementary 
  • College Place Elementary
  • Lynndale Elementary
  • Lynnwood Elementary
  • Martha Lake Elementary 
  • Mountlake Terrace Elementary 
  • Spruce Elementary

Do families at free meal sites still need to complete free and reduced applications?
Yes, free and reduced applications are still important to maintain school benefits and to continue to receive school-wide free meals.
Free and reduced applications are important for more than just school meal benefits. Families on meal benefits are also eligible for waived course fees, additional EBT funds in the summertime, and many more resources.