WA HB1404

Beginning with the 2026-27 school year, all Washington public school districts must provide breakfast and lunch at no charge to any requesting student, regardless of federal free/reduced-price meal eligibility status.

The state will reimburse school districts for meals not covered at the federal free rate, paying the difference between federal free and paid rates plus an additional $0.05 per meal.

Public schools with at least 40% identified students must participate in the USDA's community eligibility provision, and districts must group schools to maximize participation eligibility.

Learning assistance program funding allocations based on free/reduced-price meal eligibility will use 2019-20 through 2022-23 data (or prior year, whichever is greater) through the 2029-30 school year for schools providing no-charge meals.

The act is contingent on specific funding being appropriated by June 30, 2025; certain provisions protecting related high-poverty school eligibility determinations extend through 2029-30.