Free and Reduced Meals

USDA Income Eligibility Guidelines 2026-27

Applying for school meal benefits through your Skyward Family Access account is quick, confidential, and you can watch the status through your login!  

Login to your Skyward Family Access Account and follow these steps:

1. Click "Food Service" on the left-hand side menu.
2. Along the top of the page, click the drop-down box next to "All Students" and select a student from your household - you will only need to fill out one application for your household.
3. Click the "Applications" link located along the top of this new page.
4. Click the "Add Application" link.
5. Follow the prompts to complete and submit an application.
6. If your application is approved, watch for a ParentSquare message including the 2026-27 Consent to Share form. Completing the Consent to Share form allows you to choose whether your eligibility information can be used to waive certain student fees, including ASB card fees, athletic fees, and club fees.

No. Only one application per household is needed. 

Yes!  A new application must be submitted every year.

Yes!  A new application must be submitted when household income or number of household members change.

Turning in an application does not automatically qualify students for benefits. Your child will not be eligible until your household receives a letter. The approval process can take 8-10 working days, especially at the start of the school year due to a high volume of applications.

A student who is eligible for free or reduced lunch can get their first breakfast AND their first lunch at no cost.  This includes one entree, a drink (milk/juice), and unlimited trips for fruit and vegetables.

If a second meal or drink is purchased that same day, there will be a charge, as only the first meals of the day are covered under the free and reduced lunch program.  

All A la carte items are charged at their posted price.

If you  have questions, please call us at 253-983-2229 or email us at studentnutrition@steilacoom.k12.wa.us.