Four weeks into the federal government budget shutdown, many educators and families are asking what this means for students’ access to healthy meals at school.
Here’s the good news: federal funding for school-based meal programs will continue through at least the end of December, ensuring that breakfast and lunch keep reaching our students during this uncertain time.
🍎 School Meals Remain Secure — For Now
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released an additional 30 days of meal reimbursement funding, keeping school programs stable through December 31. According to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), no disruptions are expected for school meal reimbursements through the end of the calendar year.
OSPI also reports that USDA food deliveries are continuing as usual. Schools may see occasional product delays — as often happens due to supply chain or harvest issues — but overall, our school nutrition service teams can keep doing what they do best: feeding kids.
📝 Keep Promoting Free and Reduced-Price Meal Eligibility
Even with stable funding, it’s crucial that every eligible family completes a Child Nutrition Eligibility & Education Benefit (CNEEB) application. This not only ensures access to free and reduced-price meals but also impacts important education funding tied to meal eligibility data.
OSPI offers a range of outreach materials to help districts and staff promote CNEEB participation:
- A short CNEEB promotional video
- Step-by-step instructions for families
- Additional resources and templates on the Meal Application and Verification Information page
⚠️ Other Food Supports Face Uncertainty
While school meals are protected for now, other vital nutrition programs are at risk. Without congressional action, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits could be paused beginning November 1.
That’s a serious concern: in Washington state, 12% of residents rely on SNAP, and more than half of those households include children. We know firsthand how hunger impacts our students’ focus, attendance, and well-being — and any interruption to family food access will be felt in classrooms across the state.
The good news is earlier this week, Gov. Bob Ferguson directed nearly $2.2 million per week to provide additional support to Washington’s food banks in the wake of the government shutdown.
Our students count on us — and in times like these, we count on one another. Thank you to every nutrition worker, paraeducator, secretary, and school staff member keeping meals running smoothly and helping families find the resources they need.
Even as Washington’s school meals continue through the shutdown, we’ll keep advocating for stable, fully funded programs so that no child goes hungry.