In 2007, a group of concerned parents, educators and community members came together to address the quality of food served in Eugene School District 4J. From that effort, Kid Food Matters was born.

For more than a decade, the organization’s members worked tirelessly to advocate for a meal program that supports the health of our children, our community and our planet. In 2019, Kid Food Matters applauded 4J’s decision to end its long-standing contract with the multinational corporation Sodexo and transition to an in-house program focused on fresh locally sourced ingredients rather than pre-processed foods. This shift marked meaningful progress toward a healthier and more sustainable system.

However, Lookout Eugene-Springfield’s recent reporting indicates that, in response to budget shortfalls, 4J now plans to replace made-from-scratch meals with premade items from outside vendors. This change will almost certainly lead to more highly processed, less nutritious food — and undo reliable revenue streams for local farmers and producers. In many ways, it risks returning the district to the very conditions that sparked concern two decades ago.

The district’s plan to eliminate scratch cooking should serve as a call to action for this current generation of 4J parents. Get organized. Get informed. Demand better food for your children. All children deserve healthy meals that fuel both their bodies and their minds. It’s a cause worth fighting for — no matter how long it takes.

Carrie Frazier
Founder, Kid Food Matters
Eugene