All students in the Washington School District can receive a free breakfast and lunch each day. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service began approving waivers in March during COVID-19 closures to allow all children in all areas to receive meals through their Summer Food Service Program. That program has been extended through December 31st or until available funding runs outs. Waivers also permitted meals to be served outside of the typically-required group settings and meal times, and also allows parents and guardians to pick up meals for their children, for example if they are in a hybrid learning model and not at school each day.

According to Iowa’s Legislative Services Agency, through August 24th just over $98 million in funding was allocated to Iowa for these programs and $45.6 million was disbursed to school districts with 303 districts receiving funding. The Washington, Mid-Prairie, and Highland districts received between $250,000 and $500,000 as of August 24th.