Feeding Students - Bridging Communities -
Building Character - Creating Hope
hOw it all began
In 2017, four moms from Metro Christian Academy learned that football players at McLain High School were hungry and in desperate need of pre-game nutrition. Active teenagers require 3,000–4,000 calories per day, yet most of these students were relying solely on free and reduced-price meals from the school cafeteria. As mothers themselves, these women understood the critical role proper nutrition plays in a child’s health, performance, and success—both on and off the field.
On that fall day, they prepared and served a spaghetti dinner to 35 eager players. By the end of the meal, the students’ smiles, gratitude, and warmth left a lasting impression. What began as a simple act of kindness quickly revealed a much greater need—not just for meals, but for consistent care, compassion, and connection. The moms left that evening knowing they had been called to something bigger.
To the surprise of players and coaches, they kept coming back—week after week—offering pre-game nutrition to all student athletes and weekend food bags to the students identified by school counselors as most in need. That small act grew into a movement: a dedicated group of volunteers providing reliable nourishment and encouragement to McLain’s students, coaches, and staff.
Meeting the Need
McLain High School, located in one of Tulsa’s highest poverty areas, faces immense challenges. One of fourteen high schools in the Tulsa Public School system, McLain serves approximately 745 students (Tulsa Public Schools, 2024). More than 85% of students are economically disadvantaged. The school’s graduation rate is 59.3%, and the dropout rate is 17% (OSDE 2023 School Profiles). On average, a McLain student misses 57 of the 175 school days each year. Many face homelessness, food insecurity, and the persistent threat of gang violence.
The founding moms chose not to focus on the grim statistics or the school’s location. Instead, they focused on the kids—one week, one meal, one moment at a time. One student summed it up best: “It makes me feel wanted.” And as McLain teacher Ms. Vo shared, “Metro moms have been EVERYTHING to the McLain family and community! We can never THANK them enough for their dedication, time, and faithful donations. They’ve made a tremendous difference in the lives of our students, and we look forward to seeing their smiling faces every Friday!”
From a Spaghetti Dinner to a Community Effort
When students learned food was available, participation increased—on the field and in the classroom. In 2017, This Is Us served 35 football players and provided 20 weekend food bags. By 2024, that number grew to 60+ football players and 75 weekend food bags. During the 2023–2024 school year, This Is Us provided essential nutrition to 35% of McLain’s student body through the weekend bag and pre-game meal programs. Today, there’s even a waitlist for students in need of weekend food bags.
As the food programs grew, so did the impact. What began with nourishment sparked a ripple effect—improved attendance, stronger engagement, and greater motivation. Coaches and students alike have shared that while the meals are appreciated, it’s the presence, consistency, and care that mean the most. For many, seeing a familiar, smiling face each week is the highlight of their school experience.
Looking Ahead
The continued success of This Is Us is made possible by the generosity of a community that believes in the power of presence and the promise of nourishment. With year-round donations and support, the organization has been able to meet growing needs—and in 2024, they took a bold step forward by hosting their first-ever fundraiser. More than 130 people gathered to celebrate the mission, honor the students, and raise critical funds for the work ahead.
This is more than food. It’s hope, encouragement, and the reminder that someone shows up—every week—because they care.
“Our students value and appreciate This Is Us. Most of the referrals are from students which warms my heart. It is often difficult to identify those with the greatest need because students often isolate themselves from staff. We see This Is Us as a much-needed community resource and supporter of McLain ”
A FEW FACTS:
Poverty has debilitating affects in learning. The following statistics are staggering:
McLain serves approximately 745 students (Tulsa Public Schools, 2024).
More than 85% of students are economically disadvantaged.
McLain’s graduation rate is 59.3%, and the dropout rate is 17% (OSDE 2023 School Profiles).
Of all the crimes in the US, HS drop outs commit 75%.
High School drop outs can not be hired for 90% of all jobs in America.
On average, a McLain student misses 57 of the 175 school days each year. Many face homelessness, food insecurity, and the persistent threat of gang violence.
The disparity between Tulsa Public Schools and surrounding districts is significant—revealing a wide gap in educational resources, support, and opportunity between students in different parts of our city.
When We All Do a Little, It Adds Up to a Lot
The needs in North Tulsa are real—and they can feel overwhelming. But our mission is simple: to help students stay in school by meeting some of their most basic needs and sharing the love of Jesus through consistent care and support.
We believe in doing what we can, with what we have, one week at a time. And over the years, we’ve seen how God has faithfully met every need. Even when we’ve felt stretched or unsure, He’s provided—often in ways that remind us He’s at the center of it all.
We carefully consider sustainability in everything we bring to McLain, because we know lasting impact comes from showing up over and over again.
If you’re interested in learning more or jumping in, we’d love to welcome you. Please email us at thisisus.tulsa@gmail.com to learn more.
It started with a few moms from Metro Christian Academy, but now it belongs to everyone who wants to be part of something bigger.
“The volunteers from This Is Us have blessed us as they come into our building and serve us pre-game meals. They present class and love. And not only our student athletes, but also other at-risk kids feel the love from these Metro moms. The things you guys do for our program mean the world to our student-athletes!”