Mitch Charter School reports rapid uptake of school lunch program funded by city grant

Representatives of Mitch Charter School updated the Tualatin City Council on May 12 about a newly implemented school breakfast and lunch program that the school said is serving roughly 67%–85% of students on any given day and about 75% on average. The school said city funding helped pay for equipment, a milk cooler and a lunch assistant who picks up meals from the district and serves students.

Krista, a parent and Mitch board member who led the presentation, said the school lacks an on-site kitchen because it is located in an industrial park and that the school quickly partnered with the district’s nutrition services to provide meals. "By establishing a sustainable school lunch program, we could address this basic need and contribute to the holistic development and well-being of our students and community," she said.

The school’s committee toured the district nutrition team in September 2024 and began offering meals on Nov. 13, 2024. Krista said the school’s worst day saw 67% participation and its best day 85%; the school estimated it is feeding about 75 of its roughly 220 students daily. City funding and the school’s Parent-Student Organization (PSO) paid for an unexpected four-hour-a-day lunch attendant’s salary, a milk cooler, outlets and transport carts, Krista said.

Councilors praised the initiative. Councilor Brooks recalled academic research linking hunger to academic and behavioral problems and said the council was pleased to see how city funding was used. Several parents and volunteers credited district nutrition staff and Mitch staff for rapid implementation and noted improved student behavior and easier mornings for families.

No formal council action was taken; the presentation was recorded as an update from an outside agency grant awardee and councilors thanked volunteers and staff.