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Free & Reduced Meal Applications

School Meal Applications

In the Chehalis School Ditrict, our Food Services Department takes pride in ensuring that our students receive nutritious meals at school that allow them to focus on learning. We’re also dedicated to making sure every family has equitable access to meals at a price that their family can afford. At James Lintott Elementary School (grades K-2) and Orin Smith Elementary School (grades 3-5) every student receives one breakfast and one lunch free every day. At Chehalis Middle School (grades 6-8) and W.F. West High School (grades 9-12) all students pay full price unless their family has applied for and been accepted for free or reduced meal price benefits.

Eligibility for free or reduced meal benefits is determined by income. Please read the 2026-2027 income guidelines to determine if your family qualifies. A food service application must be completed each year. A Consent to Share form should be included with your application in order for your family to qualify for additional benefits.

Please note, if your student attended a school where every student receives free meals in 2025-2026 (James Lintott, Orin Smith or Chehalis Middle School) or if your family qualified last year, that benefit will extend until Oct. 15, 2026. After that date, that benefit will expire if you have not re-applied and been approved for benefits.

*NEW* Online School Meal Applications for 2026-2027

Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, Chehalis School District families will have the option to submit their school meal applications through Skyward Family Access found at THIS LINK. This option allows families to log in to Skyward and view their student’s meal status, make a payment on their account and apply for meal benefits, all on one platform.

Please see the directions below for how to complete your school meal application through Skyward Family Access. If you need assistance with accessing Skyward Family Access, please email Janis Dobyns through THIS LINK.

CLICK HERE to Start Your Application Online

Printable School Meal Forms for 2026-2027

If you prefer to still use printable forms, please use the links below. Printed food service applications should be submitted to your school office or to the Chehalis School District Office. For questions, please call (360) 807-7200.

Online School Meal Application Directions

STEP #1 – Log in to your parent account on Skyward Family Access. Choose “Food Service” from the left hand column. On the next page, choose “Applications.”

Screenshot of a financial account summary page with a red arrow pointing to 'Transactions'.

STEP #2 – On this page, you may view your student’s school meal status. Please remember, incoming 6th and 9th graders will show as “FREE” until Oct. 15, 2026 and that benefit will expire if you have not applied and been accepted for meal benefits. To begin an application, choose “New Application.”

Screenshot of a web page showing 'Family Income' with a pop-up window for 'Student's Name'.

Step #3 – After choosing “New Application” you can view the letter to families and income chart and begin filling out your application. Once you have submitted your completed application, you will receive an email receipt acknowledging your submission.

Screenshot of the Child Nutrition Eligibility & Operation Benefit Application portal.

Printed Application Directions

A flowchart illustrating the process of information gathering and analysis, with labeled sections and decision points.

CLICK HERE for a printable version of these directions.

It's More Than a Meal Application

Applications Can Unlock Additional Benefits

We encourage all families who qualify to fill out a free and reduced price meal application every year, even if your students attend schools where they automatically receive free meals. That is because qualifying for free or reduced meals can also qualify your family for other benefits and may help our schools better serve students.

If you are interested in any of these additional benefits, make sure you fill out a Consent to Share form with your school meal application.

HB 1660 Benefits Information

Under HB 1660, students who qualify for free or reduced lunch are eligible for assistance if they are unable to pay the fees to attend or participate in any optional noncredit extracurricular district event which is of a cultural, social, recreational, or athletic nature.

A poster for Child Nutrition Services titled 'It's More Than a Meal Application' with a cartoon sun.

A flyer from Child Nutrition Services explains that the application is more than just for meals, with information in Spanish.