Anacortes School District Maintains Continued Meal Access Amid Federal SNAP Suspension

The Anacortes School District understands that many families are concerned about recent federal notices regarding the possible suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to the ongoing government shutdown.

We want to reassure our community that free school meals will continue to be available for all eligible students in the Anacortes School District. According to OSPI, USDA meal reimbursement funding has been extended through December 31, and no disruptions to school meal programs are anticipated through the end of the calendar year. Meal programs funded through the USDA remain fully in place, and USDA food distribution continues as usual.

“We know that times of uncertainty can cause real concern for families,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Carl Bruner. “We want to make it clear that no child in Anacortes will go hungry. Our meal programs and local partners remain committed to ensuring every student has access to nutritious food, no matter what happens at the federal level.”

Families seeking confidential assistance with food access are encouraged to contact their school counselor or principal.


Free School Meals for the 2025–26 School Year

The Anacortes School District has several schools that will offer free breakfast and lunch for all students during the 2025–26 school year through the Free and Reduced Price Meal Program:

• Mount Erie Elementary School

• Fidalgo Elementary School

• Island View Elementary School

• Cap Sante High School (Community Eligibility Provision school)
   

If your child qualifies for Free and Reduced Meals at another ASD school, those benefits will also continue without interruption.


Families are encouraged to complete the Child Nutrition Eligibility and Education Benefit Application each year to ensure continued program eligibility. This form can be completed online in Skyward Family Access or by paper application available at your child’s school.

Community Food Support

For families who may experience food insecurity if SNAP benefits are temporarily paused, several local programs and community partners offer free groceries, meals, and weekend food support:
 

• Anacortes Food to Go (FTG) – Home-delivered meal bags for Anacortes students, including summer months. To enroll or update your address, email ftganacortes@gmail.com.

• Helping Hands Food Bank – Free groceries and CHOW (Cutting Hunger on Weekends) meal bags for children.

• Salvation Army Food Bank – Weekly grocery distribution for local families.

• Boys & Girls Club of America – After-school snacks and meal support for youth.

• A Simple Gesture Anacortes – Grab-and-go food items available at various public locations around Anacortes.

• Fidalgo Island and Guemes Gleaners - providing fresh produce, pantry staples, and weekend meal support to families in need across Fidalgo and Guemes Islands. 

For more resources go to our Food Resources and SUN Bucks Benefits website.