North Thurston Public Schools accepting applications for free meals 

North Thurston Public Schools is inviting families to apply for free meals at six schools.

A qualifying application can also provide summer food benefits, reduced fees for equipment and programs, waived fees for college applications and admissions testing, qualification for the tuition assistance program, and financial assistance from community partners. 

Six schools in the district — Ignite, Aspire, Salish, North Thurston, River Ridge and Timberline — will have paid breakfast and lunch service where families can also apply for free meals. 

Unlike the 17 schools qualified to serve free breakfast and lunch to all students in the 2026-27 school year, the six schools did not qualify for free meal services for all students after not meeting federal funding requirements.  

School meal funding is based on federal or state eligibility requirements, requiring at least 40 percent of enrolled students to qualify for free meals through various federal programs. 

“Approved nutrition applications from last school year expired on Oct. 15, 2026. Families must complete an NTPS Child Nutrition Application each school year to qualify for benefits, including free meals (at schools with paid meal service), waived school fees, and more,” wrote the district on its website. 

Families who qualify typically meet one of three criteria: 1) a total household income of the same or less than the amount on the income chart, 2) receiving Basic Food benefits, taking part in the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservation, receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families for children, or 3) applying for foster children who are under the legal responsibility of a foster care agency or court. 

Interested families are encouraged to apply through Skyward Family Access. A paper application is also available.