Seattle City Council Approves Universal School Meals

The approval comes after the council initially rejected Mayor Katie Wilson’s April proposal, opting instead for a restricted plan that prioritized only the lowest-income students. That decision faced intense backlash from critics who argued the narrower approach failed to address widespread food insecurity. On Tuesday, officials reversed course, reallocating surplus funds from an affordable housing project to bridge the gap.

Beyond providing daily meals, the program includes expanded support for low-income students during weekends and school vacations. The city plans to sustain the initiative through a voter-approved education levy for the 2027-28 school year, with potential long-term funding tied to a state-level high-earners tax. Mayor Wilson praised the decision as a victory for urban affordability, fulfilling a central pillar of her campaign platform. In a separate vote on Tuesday, the council also enacted legislation banning various rental junk fees, including pet rent and administrative surcharges.