Garfield School Meal Information

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Why Completing the Meal Application Matters

All Garfield students receive one free breakfast and one free lunch each school day—no application is required. However, completing the Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application is still essential for families and for Garfield.

For families who qualify

• College and test fees – Students can take the SAT, ACT, and AP exams at no cost (normally $60–$100 per test), and college application fees are waived or reduced
• School costs—Field trip fees, ASB cards, and extracurricular participation costs are reduced or waived, lowering the barrier to joining activities, sports, or clubs.
• Internet access – Families may qualify for reduced-cost internet service through programs like Comcast Internet Essentials or the federal Affordable Connectivity Program, which can cut monthly bills by $30 or more.

For Garfield as a whole

• Federal Title I funding – Seattle Public Schools uses meal application data to help determine which schools qualify for Title I funds. These federal dollars support reading and math intervention, small-group instruction, family engagement, and additional classroom resources. (Seattle Public Schools Title I)
• State Learning Assistance Program (LAP) – Washington allocates LAP dollars to districts based on the percentage of students eligible for free or reduced-price meals. LAP funds provide academic interventions and classroom support. (OSPI LAP Funding)
• Counseling, enrichment, and wellness supports – Seattle Public Schools emphasizes that completing the application helps maintain programs such as school counseling, before- and after-school enrichment, health and wellness services, and classroom materials. (SPS Meal Application Information)
• Fair share of resources – Garfield risks being undercounted when federal, state, and district funds are distributed without accurate application data. That means fewer resources for our students. (FRAC Report on CEP & Title I)

How to Apply

• Online (fastest): Online Application
• Paper form: Available online or in Garfield’s main office (multiple languages provided)

Applications can be submitted anytime, but completing them early ensures eligible families receive benefits immediately and Garfield secures the full range of resources.

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District Updates

Student Meals at School

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.

School Menus

Breakfast and lunch is served each day in all Seattle schools.

• A greater focus on fruits and vegetables at breakfast.
• More whole-grain rich items.
• Meals contain less sodium.

Please Note: Menus are subject to change without notice. For the latest menu information, contact your school administration to connect with the school’s kitchen manager.

All School Menus and About our Food

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