Free & Reduced Meal Program

The Free & Reduced Meal Program is a government-sponsored initiative designed to ensure that all students, regardless of their financial circumstances, have access to nutritious meals during the school day. This program plays a vital role in promoting student health, well-being, and academic success by offering free or reduced-cost meals to eligible children from low-income families.

To qualify for the program, families must meet specific income guidelines set by the government, which are usually based on the federal poverty level. Parents or guardians are required to complete an application form, providing details about their household income and size. Once approved, students can receive either a free or a reduced-cost meal, depending on their eligibility status.

Participating schools in the Free & Reduced Meal Program are reimbursed by the government for each meal served under the program, ensuring that schools can continue to provide healthy and nutritious meals to students in need. This essential initiative helps to alleviate the financial burden on families and guarantees that no child goes hungry during the school day.

We highly recommend that all parents/guardians who believe they may qualify submit a Free/Reduced-price Meal Application.

Every unsubmitted eligible application represents lost resources for our schools. Completing the school meal application can help provide various benefits, including:

• Before and after-school academic and enrichment programs
• Fee waivers for sports, ASB functions, and more
• Fee waivers for college applications and admissions tests
• USDA Pandemic EBT card program
• College Bound Scholarship
• Guidance and college counselors
• Health and wellness services
• Resources for classrooms, teachers, and students
• A 30-day grace period for the 2023-2024 school year

Additionally, an entirely online Free/Reduced Meal Application is available through the "Skyward Family Access" portal on the school district website.

Important Information for Wolfle and Suquamish Elementary Families

With the passage of HB 1238 “Meals for Washington Students,” school districts must provide meals at no cost at elementary schools where 40% or more of enrolled children are eligible for free or reduced-price meals. In North Kitsap, Suquamish Elementary and David Wolfle Elementary schools qualify. All kindergarten and higher students attending these schools will receive breakfast and lunch at no cost.

It is important that families still complete the Free and Reduced-Price Applications this fall for these services and vital state and federal funding to continue.

Please note that ala carte items are not included at no cost and must be purchased.