School Meals
School Meals Info for 22-23
View our Ballard HS breakfast and lunch menus:
For the School Year 22-23 Breakfast and Lunch will now be served at no cost ONLY to students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals. Lunch is $3.25 and Breakfast is $2.25.
Learn about how to apply for Free and Reduced Meals and other qualifying benefits such as AP Exams, Athletics Fees, ASB Fees, College Application Fees, on the School Meal Changes information page.
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.
District Updates
Student Meals at School
SPS students are offered three meal options (one hot and two cold) each school day.
Regular Price for Student School Meals
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.
All other students will be charged the rates shown below.
Elementary and K-8 Schools
- Breakfast $2.25
- Lunch $3.25
Middle and High Schools
- Breakfast $2.50
- Lunch $3.50
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
Application Free and Reduced-Price Meals
You can apply for free and reduced-price meals with our secure online form. Applications are available in August for the following school year. After your application is processed, you will receive a letter notifying you if your child is eligible.
Find your household size on the list below. If your income is less than the income listed for your household size, you may qualify for meal benefits and should complete an application.
Families are responsible for the cost of student meals before qualifying for free and reduced-price meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for free or reduced-priced meal benefits for my child?
SPS Culinary Services uses an online application or paper application to determine a student’s eligibility.
In all Seattle schools, students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals receive meals at no cost.
The application is available to families beginning in mid-August annually. Processing of meal benefit applications may take 7-10 days.
Please complete the current year application as early as possible to ensure your student’s eligibility is recorded early in the school year.
You must complete the application every year.
How do I know if my child qualifies?
Once processing is completed, families are mailed a letter sharing the student’s eligibility.
Please save this letter for requests to the school for discounts on field trips, athletic or testing fees. Families that need a replacement letter may contact Culinary Services at 206-252-0675.
My child has a special dietary need. May they still have school lunch?
Yes. Please submit a Diet Prescription Form to ensure that proper foods are available for your child.
Forms may be requested by contacting Culinary Services at 206-252-0675 or you can download the Diet Prescription forms online.
Completed forms can be dropped off at the school lunchroom or mailed to:
Seattle Public Schools Culinary Services
MS 32-372
P.O. Box 34165
Seattle, WA 98124