The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) issued a press release in regards to reduced-price lunches:

Public schools play a vital role in providing free and reduced-price meals to students in need. The application process to qualify for meal programs in Washington State is confidential.

At the beginning of the school year, application packets were sent home with each student attending Washington schools. Households with income levels below the required threshold are encouraged to apply for any or all of the national and state-wide reduced-meal programs.

Homeless and migrant students, households taking part in Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations and students in Head Start and Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program are eligible for free meals. All foster children qualify for free meal benefits as well.

For an application packet, please visit your child’s school. For more information about the free meal programs available in Washington state and detailed eligibility guidelines, please visit the OSPI website.