A new bill in Olympia aims to provide free breakfast and lunch to every student in Washington state by the 2026 school year. Senate Bill 5352, introduced by Sen. Marcus Riccelli (D-Spokane), seeks to expand access to free meals for all students, building on the state’s current program that already covers 70% of students.
Riccelli called the current 70% coverage a “C-minus” grade, emphasizing that the goal is to achieve an “A-plus” in ensuring no child goes hungry at school. “We know they’ll learn, grow, and play in a healthy way,” Riccelli said. “This will also reduce classroom disruptions, eliminate lunch shaming, and cut down on administrative burdens when every child has access to universal meals.”
The senator framed the initiative as a tax cut for working families, highlighting that many households, such as those of a single mother earning $19 an hour, currently don’t qualify for free meals despite financial struggles. The proposal has garnered support from organizations like the American Heart Association, but critics argue the program is too expensive, especially amid the state’s budget constraints.
Hannah LaMont, a fifth-grade teacher in the Edmonds School District, shared her firsthand experience with the impact of free meals. She noted that this is the first year all her students have received free meals, and it has made a significant difference.
“This is the first year I haven’t heard a student say, ‘I’m not going to eat lunch because I don’t have money in my account,’” LaMont said. “It’s also the first year I haven’t had to give a student my own lunch or keep snacks in my classroom to make sure they’re fed.”
Riccelli acknowledged the state’s tight budget but argued that investing in students’ basic needs is essential. “We can’t keep talking about test scores and graduation rates while kids are hungry at school,” he said. “Without proper nutrition, kids will be sicker, more distracted, and unable to reach their potential. Meeting their basic needs should be our priority.”
The bill is now under consideration as lawmakers weigh its potential benefits against the financial costs. If passed, it could mark a significant step toward ensuring no student in Washington goes hungry during the school day.
