Washington families urged to submit forms ensuring student access to free or reduced-price meals

Families in Washington are being encouraged to submit the Child Nutrition Eligibility and Education Benefit (CNEEB) Application to their local school districts to help ensure students have access to school meals. The application is designed to be straightforward and confidential, with no citizenship requirements for participation in federal child nutrition programs operated by schools in the state. Immigration status is neither requested nor disclosed.

At the start of each school year, all households with K–12 students receive application packets from their child's school, which include instructions on how to complete and return the materials. Many schools also provide electronic versions of the CNEEB application. Once submitted, eligibility determinations are made within 10 operating days. Families who are denied eligibility have the right to appeal by contacting their school.

Some schools participate in programs such as the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) or Provision 2, which offer meals at no cost for all students regardless of income. However, submission of CNEEB applications remains important for determining eligibility for other student benefits.

Applications can be submitted at any point during the school year. Households experiencing changes in income due to job loss or other factors are encouraged to apply when circumstances change.

The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) oversees federal U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Child Nutrition Programs in Washington, including the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, and Special Milk Program. Family income information helps maintain these meal programs statewide.

Income guidelines set between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026 determine whether a student qualifies for free or reduced-price meals or free milk. The State of Washington covers copays for public school students eligible for reduced-price meals from pre-K through grade 12.

Automatic eligibility is available through several programs and circumstances facilitated by lists provided by the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). Households notified about automatic eligibility must contact their school if they wish to decline benefits.

Foster children may qualify individually; other children in foster households may be eligible based on household size and income after submitting a CNEEB application.

Eligibility continues from approval until either a new determination is made or through the first 30 operating days of the following school year.

Households needing language assistance should contact their local schools. Questions about eligibility can also be directed there.

Federal law prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or retaliation related to civil rights activity in these programs. Alternative communication formats are available upon request via state or local agencies or USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TTY) or Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint with USDA, individuals can complete Form AD-3027 found at any USDA office or call 866-632-9992. Complaints must include details such as name, address, telephone number, description of alleged discrimination including dates and specifics addressed to USDA’s Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights.