Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) 2.0
Washington is getting ready to issue Pandemic-EBT benefits for the 2020-21 school year.
Eligible families will be automatically mailed a P-EBT card with funds to purchase food while traditional breakfast and lunch services are not being provided in schools. P-EBT cards can be used to purchase food anywhere that accepts EBT - even farmers markets or online at Amazon or Walmart.
Families will want to keep the card that is issued for each of their children. The first issuance will include benefits from September 2020 through January 2021. Additional benefits will be added later in the year. Families are encouraged to continue to participate in the districts Grab-n-Go meal program even if they receive P-EBT benefits.
P-EBT: Two Steps to Success
Step 1: Ensure your children are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals.
- If you haven't already, complete the 2020-21 school meal benefit application online at www.paypams.com/onlineapp
- If you are unsure of whether you completed an application or want to verify that your children were directly certified for school meal benefits for this school year due to participation in assistance programs such as Basic Food, contact Nutrition Services at nutritionservices@seattleschools.org or 206-252-0682 Monday to Friday from 8:00am-4:30pm.
Step 2: Ensure your mailing address is correct.
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P-EBT cards will be sent to the mailing address on file with the school district.
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If you need to update your mailing address, please contact the Admissions Office by phone at 206-252-0760 or by email at admissions@seattleschools.org (include your new address when emailing).
Download the Pandemic EBT for School Year 2020-21 Flyer (PDF): English | Espanol
To learn more about Pandemic-EBT, go to www.dshs.wa.gov/pebt or call the P-EBT Contact Center at 1-833-518-0282.
Nutrition Services and School Meals
During Remote Learning: please visit our student meals during remote learning webpage to learn more about meal sites and bus routes.
Seattle Public Schools Nutrition Services fuels over 14,600 student lunches and 5,800 breakfasts each day and adheres to the highest level of national nutrition standards and provides many locally sourced fruits, vegetables and beans daily.
Our team champions for the success of every student through advocating the important connection between a healthy diet and learning.
Menus and About our Food
View the online interactive menus to see upcoming breakfast and lunch offerings at Seattle Public Schools. The website provides menu descriptions, nutritional facts and allergen information.
School Menu Highlights
- A greater focus on fruits and vegetables at breakfast.
- More whole-grain rich items.
- Meals contain less sodium.
Read more about current year food selection and meal highlights on our menus webpage.
Free and Reduced Price School Meals
We encourage all eligible families to submit a new application for free and reduced price meals prior to the start of each new school year. This allows the application to be processed and the correct eligibility established before school starts. Families have the ability to fill out the Free and Reduced Price Meal Application online. You can find translated copies of the application on our Free and Reduced Price Meal webpage.
Free and Reduced Lunch Online Application
Paying for School Meals
There is a variety of ways to pay for school meals including giving a check or cash to the school's lunchroom manager. You can also pay online by creating an account on PayPams. You will need your student's ID number or meal account pin number to set up an account. The Student ID number can be found on report cards or by accessing The Source. Read more about payment options for school meals.
Pay for School Meals Online
Catering and Kitchen Use
In order for us to properly plan and prepare each order, we have established guidelines for catering and community kitchen use. These guidelines apply to district and non-district activities at school locations and the JSCEE. Read the Catering and Kitchen Use Guidelines.
Programs for Schools with Vulnerable Populations
Seattle Public Schools has several special programs based on school community demographics. Programs, such as Community Eligibility Provision, are intended to support vulnerable students and their families. Read more about these special programs for designated schools.