School Meals
Summary: Student Meals. Families will need to pay for school meals or apply to qualify for free student meals.
School Year 23-24 Breakfast & Lunch No Cost Only to Qualifying Students
For the School Year 23-24 Breakfast and Lunch will now be served at no cost ONLY to students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals. Lunch is $3.50 and Breakfast is $2.50.
Ballard Families please refer to the district Breakfast and Lunch page for new Student Meal pricing and students will need to have their PIN Number (will be available the first day of school).
Families can check and update their PayPam balance. Please note there is a minimal amount of $10. PayPams charges users a payment transaction of $ 1.95 per student for each transaction.
To avoid the transaction fee families can pay cash or write a check to Culinary Services. Be sure to include your student’s name and ID and give to the Kitchen Manager in the Lunchroom. BHS Students will get a Lunch PIN on the first day of school.
Apply for Free and Reduced School Meals
More Than Just Lunch!
We encourage all eligible families to submit a new application for free and reduced price meals prior to the start of each new school year.
Applying early allows the application to be processed and the correct eligibility established before the first day of school. Ballard HS Families learn more on the district Free and Reduced Price Meal Information page.
Qualifying Students Other Free and Reduced Meals Benefits
Other Benefits for Qualifying Students If your student qualifies for free or reduced price meals, discounted or free school services may also be available.
- Advanced Placement Tests
- Running Start Books
- Athletic Fees
- Associated Student Body Fees
- Event Fees
- Pre-College Exams (PSAT/SAT/ACT)
- College Application Fees
- Field Trips
Who should fill out the Free and Reduced Price Lunch application?
Fill out the application if:
- Total household income is the SAME or LESS than the amount on the chart.
- You receive Basic Food, take part in the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), or receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) for your children.
- You are applying for foster children that are under the legal responsibility of a foster care agency or court.
Be sure to submit ONLY ONE application per household. We will notify you if the application is approved or denied. If any child you are applying for is homeless (McKinney-Vento), or migrant, check the appropriate box.
Online Application
Instructions on completing and submitting your application are provided below. Please email the Culinary Services Office at culinaryservices@seattleschools.org if you have questions or need additional assistance.
You can apply for free and reduced price meals online with our safe, private, and secure application on PayPams. Online Free and Reduced Lunch Application
Paper Application and Translated Application Forms
The paper form and translated copies of the application are located on the district Free and Reduced Price Meals page. Completed Paperwork should be given to the Kitchen Manager in the Lunchroom.
District Updates
Student Meals at School
SPS students are offered three meal options (one hot and two cold) each school
Breakfast and lunch will be served at no cost to those students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals. Additionally, 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.
Free Meals for Students
Your child may qualify for free or reduced-price meals. In all Seattle schools, students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals receive meals at no cost.
You must reapply every year. Qualification is based on household income.
Students who qualify receive additional benefits including reduced fees for the following programs.
- Event Fees
- Field Trips
- Advanced Placement Tests
- Running Start Books
- Associated Student Body (ASB) Fees
- Pre-College Exams (PSAT/SAT/ACT)
- College Application Fees
Apply for Student Meal Assistance
Breakfast and lunch will be served at no cost to those students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals. Additionally, Seattle Public Schools has several schools that will offer free meals (breakfast and lunch) for all students.
Learn more about how to apply for nutrition assistance, add money to your student’s account, or check menus and allergy information.
