All Molalla River Schools will provide breakfast and lunch to students without collecting any fees.
This program change was approved by the Oregon Department of Education. Molalla River Schools is eligible for the program because the percentage of students who qualify for reduced priced meals has grown to meet the requirements.
The reasons for offering food without charging families include:
- Food and nutrition are important for student development and performance.
- Food prices have soared and many households are experiencing food insecurity.
- The District has a large burden of work to track who eats a meal, related charges, and collection of fees.
This program will last for at least four school years. No families will have to apply for, complete an application or verify any household details. The district can opt out by June 30 by notifying ODE if the program does not work out.
Fine Print - Important to Know:
Food charges will remain for:
- Milk a la carte. In order for a meal to be reimbursed in the program a full meal must be received. A student who asks for an additional milk or milk with a breakfast or lunch from home will be charged.
- Multiple meals. Second meals are not reimbursed by the program.
- Adult meals - we welcome guests at lunchtime for special occasions. The program does not reimburse for adult meals (staff or guests).
More details on how to maintain a balance on your student's meal account if they want an extra meal, milk only or extra milk will be forwarded in the fall. The program approval was received on July 3, so we need time to work out the implementation and meal account details.
Molalla River Schools can focus on education and learning and making meaningful connections with students at school, including meal time. Given the current pricing of food we hope this program will meet the needs of our students and be seen as a benefit to our families.
