Seattle City Council members on Wednesday suggested delaying the implementation of Mayor Katie Wilson’s proposal to provide free breakfast and lunch to every student in Seattle Public Schools, and recommended shifting some of the plan’s funding to target food assistance for low-income families.
Budget debate forces timeline change
The mayor unveiled the universal-meals proposal in April, planning to use revenue from a $1.3 billion property tax levy voters approved last November to begin offering free meals and to expand the Seattle Preschool Program. Under the amendments put forward by Council President Joy Hollingsworth and Councilmember Dionne Foster, the expansions would be pushed back to the 2027-28 school year if the changes are adopted.
Focus on students with highest need
Council supporters of the amendment argued the change is meant to protect the programs’ long-term fiscal sustainability and to prioritize limited resources for families most at risk of food insecurity. Foster said the council wants to ensure clarity about funding sources in case a proposed statewide tax does not materialize.
“It’s really important that we have clarity and confidence that we can implement these programs for the long term from a budget perspective, as well as that we have clarity and confidence that the approach that we are taking is going to be a focused approach that closes the gaps that we have in our city,”
The council amendment would reallocate a portion of the universal-meal funding to bolster meals for students whose families meet specific low-income thresholds, rather than extending free meals to all students immediately.
Current coverage and next steps
Seattle Public Schools already provides free breakfast and lunch in about half of its schools, according to the district. The mayor had also proposed expanding hours and increasing spots in the Seattle Preschool Program as part of the same levy-funded package. City leaders are weighing whether to delay both elements together.
- Funding source: $1.3 billion property tax levy (approved last fall)
- Proposed start: Mayor’s plan — this fall; Council amendment — delayed to 2027-28
- Policy change: Shift some universal-meal funds to target low-income students
| Program element | Mayor’s proposal | Council amendment |
|---|---|---|
| Universal school meals | Begin this fall for all SPS students | Delay to 2027-28; reallocate some funds to low-income students |
| Seattle Preschool Program expansion | Expanded hours and spots beginning this fall | Also subject to delay under amendment |
Supporters of the amendment said the council must plan for the possibility that the state’s proposed high-earners income tax — which had been discussed as an additional revenue source — might not provide the expected funding. The mayor issued a written statement responding to the council discussion; the full text of that statement was released by her office.
As deliberations continue, families and school leaders will be watching whether Seattle adopts a universal approach this school year or shifts to a more targeted rollout intended to preserve long-term program stability.
