Applaud Seattle for Providing Free School Meals

Led by Mayor Katie Wilson, Seattle has approved $3.6 million to provide universal school meals to roughly 49,000 students beginning this school year. The program will ensure that every student can eat at school without families having to meet income requirements or prove they qualify for assistance.

Access to nutritious meals helps students focus on what matters: learning, growing, and succeeding. Universal programs can also eliminate the stigma that sometimes comes with receiving free meals while helping families manage the everyday cost of feeding their children.

Seattle’s plan goes further by providing additional food assistance to lower-income students during weekends and school breaks, when children who rely on school meals can be especially vulnerable to hunger.

The City Council unanimously approved the funding after Mayor Wilson pushed to make universal meals available this year rather than delaying the program. It’s a meaningful investment in students and a reminder that local government can take concrete action to make life more affordable for working families.

Add your name to applaud Mayor Katie Wilson and the Seattle City Council for providing universal school meals, fighting childhood hunger, and ensuring every student has the food they need to learn and thrive.