Free School Lunch in Washington: Universal Meals for All Students
2025–26 NSLP eligibility guidelines and how to apply
Washington provides free breakfast and lunch to every student through a universal free meal program. No income check. No application. Every child who walks into school eats free.
How Washington's Universal Free Meal Program Works
Who gets free meals: Every student enrolled in a participating public school — no income verification, no paperwork.
What's covered: Free breakfast and lunch on every school day. Both meals are provided under the federal NSLP and School Breakfast Program (SBP).
How it's funded: Washington uses a combination of federal NSLP/SBP reimbursements and state appropriations to cover the full cost for all students, including those who wouldn't qualify under the standard income rules.
Washington provides free breakfast and lunch to ALL students in grades K-12 through the Universal Free Meals program (started SY 2023-24). No application required.
Federal NSLP Income Limits (for reference)
In Washington, these don't apply — all students eat free. But if you move to another state, these are the nationwide thresholds.
| Household size | Free meals (130% FPL) | Reduced-price (185% FPL) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $1,632/mo ($19,578/yr) | $2,322/mo ($27,861/yr) |
| 2 people | $2,215/mo ($26,572/yr) | $3,152/mo ($37,814/yr) |
| 3 people | $2,798/mo ($33,566/yr) | $3,981/mo ($47,767/yr) |
| 4 people | $3,380/mo ($40,560/yr) | $4,810/mo ($57,720/yr) |
| 5 people | $3,963/mo ($47,554/yr) | $5,640/mo ($67,673/yr) |
| 6 people | $4,546/mo ($54,548/yr) | $6,469/mo ($77,626/yr) |
| 7 people | $5,129/mo ($61,542/yr) | $7,299/mo ($87,579/yr) |
| 8 people | $5,712/mo ($68,536/yr) | $8,128/mo ($97,532/yr) |
How to Apply for Free School Meals in Washington
State agency
Washington State Department of Agriculture — Child Nutrition Programs
Phone: 1-360-902-2038
Apply online →What you need to apply
- ✓ No application required in Washington
- ✓ All students automatically receive free meals
- ✓ Just enroll your child in school
Other Programs for Washington Families
School Meal Eligibility in Other States
Washington Family Assistance Programs
Families who qualify for one program often qualify for others. Check each one.
Childcare Subsidy (CCDF)
Income limits and how to apply in Washington
Head Start Eligibility
Free early education for low-income families
WIC Benefits
Food assistance for children under 5
Free Pre-K Programs
State-funded preschool eligibility
Childcare Tax Credits
Federal + Washington state credits
SNAP (Food Stamps)
Grocery benefits — income limits in Washington
TANF Cash Assistance
Monthly cash benefits for families with children
Energy Assistance (LIHEAP)
Help paying heating and cooling bills
Section 8 Housing
Housing vouchers — income limits and waitlists