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Block in the supply chain interferes with school lunches.

By: Raney Riddlebarger

Issues with the supply chain have led to shortages throughout the Athens City School District.

On Oct. 20, 2021, an email was sent out to students and families announcing menu changes for the following day's school lunch due to a limit in supplies.

According to Timarie Francis, director of ACSD Food Services, this has become an ongoing problem affecting schools across the nation. Numerous distributors have been slow on deliveries.

Francis stated that, “ The items that are most difficult on a day to day basis are the Kellogg's items, breakfast items in general and school trays.

“However, there are times where things I haven't struggled with, like chicken strips or nuggets, will just not be available on the day that I am ordering. Today I couldn't get cheese sticks, pizza crusts or breadsticks.”

The reason behind the slow deliveries on these items, Francis explained, has much to do with staff shortages at the supplying locations. She noted that, “With our bread supplier there have been issues with deliveries that were due to shortages in the staffing.

“They are currently hiring in most areas at most locations through the company. With things like the cereal from Kelloggs, there have been strikes and fires at the plants causing major issues with supply.”

Though some items may not be available as regularly, the school district is still working around these shortages with successful breakfast and lunches.

On this subject, Francis added, “I have a great staff that knows the students and what they will enjoy, so we adapt and try to serve items that are similar to what is being offered on the menu.”

“We are also trying to stay ahead of the shortage by ordering farther in advance for items and keeping a healthy backstock of items.”

Students at Athens High School are happy with the staff’s efforts to keep the menu up to standard.

Sophomore Colin Roach commented about the menu options, “I have not noticed a difference in the food.”

Sophomore Mackenzie Rudolph also stated that she had “not noticed” any shortages in plasticware or trays and sophomore Seth Switzer added that, “there seems to be enough for everyone.”

As for when these shortages will end, Francis conveyed that the district “has been unable to gather any information on when things will improve.”

“We continue to work hard to offer nutritious items to keep our students fed and able to do well in the classroom while meeting the guidelines for the USDA.”






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