Concordia Charter School in Mesa, AZ, is setting a new standard for school meals with support from USDA and Action for Healthy Kids’ Healthy Meals Incentives (HMI) grant. Concordia’s mission is to provide a caring, nurturing educational environment that focuses on whole-child wellness. An important component of that mission is the lunchroom, where child nutrition staff prioritizes scratch cooking using fresh, local ingredients which allow them to plan menus that reflect the vibrant flavors and cultures of their school community.

“We believe scratch cooking yields the top-quality meals our students deserve,” says Iris Tirado, the school’s Nutrition Director. “It gives us the freedom to provide high-quality meals that represent and connect with our students in a meaningful way.”

With the HMI grant, Concordia has upgraded essential kitchen equipment, such as a walk-in cooler to store more fresh produce and nutrition analysis software to assist with recipe development. These upgrades streamline food preparation and support the school’s waste reduction goals by increasing the use of fresh ingredients over processed or canned alternatives.

Demonstrating Concordia’s commitment to professional growth and innovation, Tirado has joined the Chef Ann Foundation’s Healthy School Food Pathway Fellowship. Staff members complete four hours of specialized training each month to master scratch-cooking techniques, build knowledge on local food procurement, and explore ways to integrate food education into the classroom.

This professional development empowers staff and strengthens the school’s mission to connect students with the meals they enjoy. “Building this foundation in our team creates an environment where students see food preparation as part of their learning,” Tirado explains. “It reinforces healthy eating habits, which can impact their well-being far beyond the school cafeteria.”

As a small charter school with over 70% of students facing food insecurity, Concordia recognizes that partnerships are key to sustaining its nutrition initiatives. Through collaborations with mission-aligned organizations like the Blue Watermelon Project, Sun Produce Cooperative Foundation, and the Arizona Farm to School Network, Concordia has built a strong network that supports its goals around local food procurement and education. These partnerships reinforce Concordia’s commitment to feeding every student high-quality, nutrient-dense meals that highlight the best of Arizona’s agriculture.

“Our Farm to School program and partnerships enable us to make a meaningful impact,” shares Tirado. “It’s about creating a strong, sustainable program that we can maintain and grow over time.” The school also has a robust school garden, where Farm to School Coordinator James Lang engages students in planting, growing, and harvesting produce as well as caring for a flock of chickens that provide eggs for the school meal program.

Looking forward, Concordia is committed to further connecting students with the food on their plates. Plans include monthly food demonstrations, educational presentations, and events that engage students in learning about where their food comes from and their role in supporting local agriculture. This initiative aligns with Concordia’s deep commitment to whole-child wellness, and the school believes that each improvement—from scratch cooking to local food sourcing—adds value to their students’ educational experience and long-term health.

Reflecting on the school’s journey, Director and Founder Margaret Roush-Meier shares, “Concordia Charter School is located in the C.A.N.D.O. Neighborhood of Mesa, Arizona. The name is so appropriate as the school has always had the attitude that it CAN DO!”

For more information on the Healthy Meals Incentives Initiative and Recognition Awards, visit the Healthy Meals Incentives Recognition Awards website. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through June 30, 2025.

Stay tuned for more Cafeteria Chronicles stories from school districts nationwide. Check out our Cafeteria Chronicles Blog for more inspiring school nutrition transformations!