Kalama Elementary students have been enjoying no-cost breakfast and lunch meals this school year, thanks to a program established under Washington State’s House Bill 1238. Now, district leaders are hoping families will take action to help the school maintain access to the program next school year.
The state’s Meals for Washington Students program centers around one critical requirement: at least 30 percent of enrolled students at eligible schools (elementary) must qualify for Free and Reduced Meals. For the ‘24-’25 school year, Kalama Elementary narrowly cleared that mark, coming in at 31.4%.
Families must submit an application to the District Office each school year to qualify for Free and Reduced Meals. Eligibility is based on the financial circumstances for each family.
While the school’s Free and Reduced percentage for the ‘25-’26 school year is yet to be determined, James Capen, Kalama School District’s Director of Business Services, said that won’t be the case for long.
“When we look at the no-cost meals program, it’s important to understand that OSPI bases every school’s Free and Reduced percentage off of October 31 building data from the preceding school year, so our numbers for ‘25-’26 will be established at the end of this month,” he explained.
Because every elementary student has had access to no-cost meals this school year, Capen said families may not be thinking about submitting a Free and Reduced Meals application just yet.
“Even if your student doesn’t regularly participate in the program, if you are able to submit a Free and Reduced form before the end of October, that would be extremely helpful as we look to qualify for no-cost meals at Kalama Elementary next school year.”
While the Meals for Washington Students program does not cover middle and high schools, families without elementary-aged students can still benefit from applying for Free and Reduced Meals. In addition to no-cost breakfast and lunch, those meeting the income thresholds could be eligible for additional perks throughout the school year, such as free ASB cards.
Questions related to free and reduced meals in the district should be directed to Laurie Merwin at (360) 673-5282 or laurie.merwin@kalama.k12.wa.us. Families can learn more about Kalama School District's Dining Services program by clicking here.
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