Skip To Main Content

Logo Image

Logo Title

Free and Reduced Price Meal Program

It's actually more than just free meals. There are programs within the Stanwood-Camano School District and in the community that offer reductions in or waivers of fees and other benefits for families who qualify for the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs.

In most cases, they will require proof of benefits. Proof of benefits — in the form of a letter — is sent to the primary guardian on file at the time of qualification. The primary guardian will either receive the letter via email (if you have a current email attached to your student's primary guardian's contact information) or through the mail. Letters are also available through Skyward Family Access. This letter will serve as proof of benefits for most programs.

It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to share the letter. We will, upon request, send another letter via email, mail, or provide one in-person to the primary guardian on file.

Each year, families are encouraged to complete a Free and Reduced-Price Meal application. 

How to Apply

You can apply online or on paper:

  • Paper application:

    • Available at your child's school or online through the Food Services webpage.

    • Return completed applications to your school office or mail them to:
      Stanwood-Camano Food Service Department
      26920 Pioneer Hwy, Stanwood, WA 98292

Note: Only one application per household is needed.

Who Qualifies?

Eligibility is based on household size and gross income according to the Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines. Take our easy online quiz to help determine your eligibility!

Students are automatically eligible if:

  • They are foster children under the legal responsibility of a foster care agency or court.

  • They are enrolled in a federally recognized program such as:

    • Basic Food/SNAP

    • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

    • Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)

DO I QUALIFY?

Important Reminders

  • A new application must be completed each school year.

  • Meal benefits do not carry over from year to year.

  • If a new application is not submitted by October 18, students will be charged full price for meals until eligibility is re-established.

  • If you receive a notification that you have been directly certified (matched through state programs), no application is needed. Watch for a letter from the district.

  • If your family income changes during the school year, you may apply or reapply at any time.
     

Benefits of Qualifying

Students who qualify for Free and Reduced-Price Meals may also qualify for:

  • School Fee Reductions/Waivers: ASB cards, course fees, sports fees, and other school-related charges may be reduced or waived.

  • Testing Fee Reductions: SAT, ACT, Advanced Placement (AP), and other academic testing fee waivers.

  • Technology Assistance: Access to low-cost or free internet programs through the Affordable Connectivity Program.

  • Snohomish County PUD discounts: Customers can simply complete an application (English / Spanish) and provide a copy of their approval letter from the Stanwood-Camano School District and they will qualify for a 25% (reduced lunch) or 50% (free lunch) discount on their PUD bills.

  • YMCA discounts: Teens and children ages 11-18 on the Free & Reduced Meals program can receive a discounted membership for $35 a year. Please complete the YMCA Teen Membership Eligibility Form below, and bring the completed form with a copy of your Free & Reduced Eligibility letter to the YMCA.

  • Operation School Bell: This organization provides clothing to students who demonstrate financial need and attend school regularly. Your child's school will arrange transportation to the Operation School Bell facility where your child will be fitted with new school clothing. Complete the Operation School Bell Application.

  • Clothes For Kids: A free clothing resource for students who qualify to receive Free & Reduced Meals at our schools. Families need to schedule an appointment for each student shopper: https://clothesforkids.org/book-an-appointment/. To order clothing for pick-up, please complete this form for each student: https://loom.ly/psFuWhE. For more information about Clothes For Kids, visit www.clothesforkids.org, call 425-741-6500, or email office@clothesforkids.org.

  • Access to Operation School Bell, which provides new clothing to students.

  • Other Supports: Potential eligibility for community programs and services that require proof of low-income status.

Please Note: Families must consent to have their free or reduced-price eligibility shared with other programs (such as athletics or school activities) in order to receive non-meal fee waivers. This consent is given during the application process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my child was eligible last year?

A new application must be completed each year. Last year’s eligibility ends 30 school days after the start of the new school year.

Can foster children qualify?

Yes. Foster children who are under the legal responsibility of a foster care agency or court are eligible for free meals regardless of household income.

Can I apply if someone in my household is not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. U.S. citizenship is not required to qualify for meal benefits.

How is my information protected?

All information provided is confidential and used only for eligibility determination and program benefits unless you consent to share it for other fee reductions.

What happens if I don’t submit an application?

Students will be charged full meal prices and will not be eligible for other fee reductions unless an application is completed and approved or if the school campus has qualified for free meals for all students.

Need Help?

Additional Language Versions Available

The USDA has also provided a template to assist in serving households where English/Spanish is not spoken as a primary language. Households may download these resources directly to be filled out and submitted to their local school district. In addition to the application form, each translated packet also includes application instructions and a parent letter/FAQ. For additional languages please follow this link:

Foreign Language Application Translation

Running Start Students

We recognize that local programs and colleges offer a discount if students show proof of qualifying for the Free & Reduced Meal program. In order to qualify, running start students must be on campus attending a class either prior to or following a scheduled meal service. If your running start student does not meet these guidelines they will not qualify for the Free & Reduced Program and we cannot provide a letter stating they do. However, I can create a letter that indicates your student "would" qualify if they were on campus. To request a letter for your running start student, please contact Jennifer Dahl, Food Services Secretary at (360) 629-1411 or by email @ at jdahl@stanwood.wednet.edu.

Need a copy of your Eligibility Letter?

Eligibility letters are available on the Primary Guardian's (first name listed on SKYWARD) Family Access account, under Food Service, Eligibility Letters (found on the top of the page). SKYWARD Family Access account information can be obtained by contacting your child's school secretary. Once logged into Family Access, if your letter is not showing, please contact Jennifer Dahl, Food Services Secretary at (360)-629-1411 or by email at jdahl@stanwood.wednet.edu

Contact Us

The Stanwood-Camano Food Service Department is happy to assist families: