Seattle City Council approves compromise on universal meals, food aid for kids

(The Center Square) – What began as a contentious political standoff over taxpayer-funded universal public school meals and gift card programs for low-income students has ended in a moment of consensus between Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson and the city council.

The Seattle City Council on Tuesday unanimously authorized nearly $5 million from a $1 billion-plus 2025 taxpayer property levy to give Seattle children universal breakfast and lunch without students paying a meal fee, starting in September.

An additional $4 million to support low-income children through weekends and school holidays with food was also approved through a gift card program.

“Feeding every student in Seattle is a goal the City Council and I share, and I am grateful we were able to work together to find a fiscally responsible path forward, ” Wilson said in a statement....