Free Meals & Household Information Survey FAQ

With this new program, TPS students will be eligible for: 

• One free breakfast and one free lunch 
• Internet service discounts, depending on your service provider 
• Other community-based discounts 

By obtaining an accurate measure of community economic demographics, schools can maximize the amount of state and federal funding that they receive. Household Information Surveys are a tool to secure important educational programs and other services that improve the wellbeing of students, such as:  

• Before and after school academic & enrichment programs 
• Guidance and college counselors 
• Health and wellness services 
• Resources for classrooms, teachers and children 

This information also ensures that students who are eligible for low-income benefits and discounts are given the opportunity to take advantage of such services. These benefits may include, and are not limited to, fee waivers for ASB cards, extracurricular activities, and college admissions exams. 

Free meals and associated benefits apply to students who attend schools where meals are served throughout the year. While the majority of TPS students qualify, students associated with Fresh Start, Tacoma Reengagement, and Goodwill do not receive meals during the school year and would not qualify for CEP benefits.

If you already received an eligibility confirmation letter from Nutrition Services at the beginning of the school year, then you do not need to fill out a Household Information Survey. The district is already aware of your eligibility status. 

If you have not received a Household Information Survey or a letter confirming your eligibility, please contact your school’s office coordinator or Patsy Neas at pneas@tacoma.k12.wa.us or 253-571-3378

Yes, all TPS students will receive a no-cost breakfast and lunch, regardless of income. The meal must meet the federal guidelines for reimbursable meals. This does not include milk-only sales or extra à la carte sales. 

If households fail to complete the Household Information Survey, the delivery of programs and services in your child’s school may be impacted. Therefore, it is particularly important that selected households accurately complete the form.  

Households that have not completed and returned their Household Information Surveys will receive reminders throughout the year from their child(ren)’s school(s) to complete and return the survey. 

If you do not wish to disclose the information requested on the survey, please contact Patsy Neas at (253) 571-3370 or pneas@tacoma.k12.wa.us. 

Only TPS students will receive a no-cost breakfast and lunch. For children attending schools in other districts, please refer to those districts’ websites for corresponding information. 

Your child is eligible for no-cost meals where they are currently enrolled. If they eat meals at or transfer to a different district, they must follow the guidelines of that district. 

Yes, each child will receive one free breakfast and one free lunch per day. If your child wants a second serving or à la carte items, they will need to purchase those. Families can load money onto a student’s account electronically via MySchoolBucks. 

Schools participating in the National School Lunch Program and National School Breakfast Program must adhere to nutrition guidelines supported by science and provided by United States Department of Agriculture. 

Find your student’s school menu by using this link: https://www.myschoolmenus.com/instance/633/district/536. 

As the supply chain opens up, school menu options will continue to expand. Tacoma Public Schools was pleased to be able to bring back fresh fruits and vegetables to menus this school year, and we’ll continue to add more nutritious items to the menu as they become available. 

The information collected on the Household Information Survey will be protected using the same protocol as the information collected through free and reduced-price meals applications. 

All questions may be directed to Patsy Neas at (253) 571-3378 or pneas@tacoma.k12.wa.us.