Summer Meals for 2026

Good nutrition is essential for effective learning every day — all year long. Just as learning does not end when school lets out, neither does the need for good nutrition. Summer meal programs help children get the nutrition they need to learn, play, and grow throughout the summer months.

The Stanwood-Camano School District is again offering its free Summer Food Service Program for all children ages 18 and younger. The program is open to all families and doesn’t ask for any paperwork — kids can just drop in and grab a meal. 

“Access to nutritious meals shouldn’t stop when the school year ends,” said Don Vennetti, Director of Food Services. “We’re committed to making sure every child in our community has the food they need, every day.”

The summer meal program will be offered Monday through Friday at the following location:

• Twin City Elementary (26211 72nd Ave. NW, Stanwood, WA 98292) 
  • Dates: June 29-August 21
  • Breakfast: 8:30-9:30 a.m.
  • Lunch: 10:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

The summer meal program will be offered Monday through Thursday at the following location:

• Stanwood High School (7400 272nd Ave. NW, Stanwood, WA 98292) 
  • Dates: July 27-August 20
  • Lunch: 10:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

These are the only two school sites eligible to be distribution locations because they are within a zone identified on the No Kid Hungry Average Eligibility Map, which uses US Census household income data to qualify geographic areas. 

This federally-funded program is sponsored by many organizations throughout our state. Children may participate in summer meals programs outside of their communities. To find other available sites statewide, use the Summer Meals Locator at nokidhungry.org or text "food" or "comida" to 304-304.

SUN Bucks grocery benefit available for eligible families

In addition to free summer meals, many families may qualify for SUN Bucks, a summer grocery benefit that provides $120 per eligible school-aged child to help purchase food during the summer months. Benefits can be used at grocery stores, farmers markets, and other retailers that accept EBT.

Most eligible children will be automatically enrolled, while some families may need to apply. New for 2026, all enrolled children will receive a SUN Bucks card by mail. Families should keep the card after using it, as Washington plans to reload the same card in future years for eligible children who qualify.

Families can learn more about eligibility requirements, application information, and program details by visiting Washington SUN Bucks (hungerfreewa.org/summerebt).

This summer grocery benefit can help supplement the free meals available through the district's Summer Food Service Program and other community food resources.

Additional summer food support available through the Stanwood-Camano Food Bank

Families looking for additional food assistance this summer can also access programs offered by the Stanwood-Camano Food Bank.

One option is the Food Bank's Meals 'Til Monday program, which provides supplemental food for school-aged children while school is out of session. Families place an order through a weekly text message link and pick up food later in the week. Menu options vary throughout the summer. 

The Food Bank also offers regular food distribution throughout the week, providing produce, dairy products, meat, pantry staples, and other grocery items to local families.

For information about Meals 'Til Monday, food distribution hours, or other available services, visit Stanwood-Camano Food Bank.

Looking ahead: Help support school meal programs next year

As families plan for summer and the upcoming school year, the district is encouraging all families to complete a Free and Reduced-Price Meal application, even if they are unsure whether they qualify.

Applications help determine eligibility for meal assistance and may also unlock additional benefits for families. Just as importantly, application data helps schools qualify for state and federal funding that supports student programs and services.

The information families provide also helps determine whether schools qualify for programs that allow all students to receive free meals. Based on current eligibility data, students at Elger Bay Elementary and Stanwood Elementary will continue receiving free breakfast and lunch during the 2026-27 school year.

Students at Utsalady Elementary, Twin City Elementary, and Church Creek Campus will return to the traditional meal payment system next year unless they individually qualify for free or reduced-price meals through the application process.

"We encourage every family to take a few minutes to complete an application," Vennetti said. "Even if you don't think you'll qualify, the information helps support important funding for our schools and can make a difference for students and families across our community."

Families can apply online and learn more about meal programs, eligibility requirements, and food service accounts by visiting the district's Food Services webpage. Families who are unsure whether they may qualify can also complete the district's online eligibility screener before submitting an application.

USDA Non-Discrimination Statement for Child Nutrition Programs

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, from any USDA office, by calling 866-632-9992 or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

1. Mail:
   U.S. Department of Agriculture
   Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
   1400 Independence Avenue, SW
   Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
2. Fax:833-256-1665 or 202-690-7442; or
3. Email: USDA Program Intake

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.