by Mike Knaak
news@thenewsleaders.com
Supply chain shortages affecting restaurants, grocery stores and car dealers are now hitting school cafeterias.
Shortages and delivery delays of school lunch staples such as chicken patties and chicken tenders send food services workers scrambling for replacements, according to Shelby Tanner, Sartell-St. Stephen school district Food Service director.
Product shortages, discontinued items, on-time deliveries and price increases force school meal planners to look for substitutes and adjust menus.
Unpredictable deliveries of disposable paper products such as trays, napkins and utensils add to the challenge. A shortage of packaging has delayed foods such as yogurt and egg products.
“We have no control over the supply chain or shortages impacting vendors,” Tanner said.
Higher prices linked to the shortages have increased meal costs but an increase in United States Department of Agriculture reimbursements helped cover costs.
Tanner says staffing shortages are making supply challenges worse as kitchens cope with changing menus. Those shortages are linked to Covid-19 issues and a return to full staffing after vacancies weren’t filled last year when schools provided a simpler menu.
Prospective food service employees can apply on the district’s website by clicking the Human Resources tab. Tanner described the job as a “fun, friendly environment.” Most shifts are three hours, schedules follow the school calendar and parents can be at work while their kids are at school. The district employs about 60 food service staff.
The district continues to offer free breakfasts and lunches this year thanks to federal and state funding.
Cafeterias marked National School Lunch Week from Oct. 11-15 by serving student favorites. The week’s offerings include Mandarin orange chicken, Italian dunkers with marinara sauce and Santa Fe combo. Students can also enjoy apples from Collegeville Orchards.
The week “promotes healthy school lunch and the impact on students in their classroom work as well as outside school,” Tanner said.
Supply chain shortages send food services workers scrambling for replacements.
