PHOENIX — Inflation and funding are taking a toll on Arizona schools, forcing one charter school to provide meals for students out of their teachers’ pockets.
“Historically smaller schools have smaller budgets and we have to operate within those needs,” City View High School Principal Dr. Laura Metcalfe told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Outspoken with Bruce & Gaydos.
City View High School has only 53 students, but some students rely on the school for meals they can’t get at home.
“Meals are very expensive no matter where they are and people need to eat, including our students,” Metcalfe said.
She said the issue is a bigger problem for smaller schools that just don’t get enough funding to provide adequate food.
She made it a priority to solve the problem when she became principal in June.
Teachers make do with what they have
“Staff, administration, leadership, we all pitch in,” said Social Support Manager Lisa Moreno. “We are getting donations. Our social services manager last year would be making meals from home, like chili, think things you could make in a crock pot, and bring those to school and help feed the children that way.”
The school doing the best it can with plug-in appliances and two microwaves.
Moreno said having a kitchen would go a long way.
St. Mary’s Food Bank has supplied some snacks and meals but the school is seeking a more permanent solution.
Metcalfe said that $15,000 would be enough to feed the kids for the whole school year.
She said she personally contributed a couple hundred dollars so far this year to keep kids fed.
“I’d say that’s a good estimate for just about every staff member there,” Moreno added.
For those looking to donate to the school lunch fund, click on the link here.
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