According to the Utah State Board of Education, many schools are experiencing supply chain disruptions and labor shortages, with some schools unable to hire enough food service staff to fully operate their programs.

Because of these challenges, many schools have had to rethink aspects of their nutrition programs resulting in changes in menus, trays and even cutlery.

“What does this mean for Utah school meals? In short, reduced menu variety and meal service options, and frequent menu changes,” stated a press release from the state board. “For example, while the American appetite for chicken continues to grow each year, the chicken processing industry has been hit with their own struggles over the past year, from the unprecedented winter storms in Texas to their own labor shortages. This now means that orange chicken, a favorite lunch entree at many schools, is on the menu less frequently this school year.”

These supply chain and staff shortages have been felt in Utah County schools as well.

“Alpine School District has been impacted by food supply and staff shortages,” said David Stephenson, the executive director of external relations and communications for Alpine School District. ” Fortunately, we have been able to provide meals every day this school year as our Nutrition Services personnel have worked extremely hard adjusting menus based on supply, transporting supplies between school, and carefully monitoring data with record numbers of students eating breakfast and lunch. In most schools, simplified food choices have been necessary because of supply and the shortage of workers.”

According to Lana Hiskey, the community relations specialist for Nebo School District, ordering enough food has been particularly challenging.

“We usually only get a portion of what we order,” Hiskey said. “We have to put orders months in advance only to find out that we didn’t get everything we asked for. We have multiple orders to the same company for three to four months to keep the food coming.”

According to Hiskey, Nebo School District is also short 20 to 30 staff members throughout its schools’ kitchens.

To navigate these challenges, Nebo School District has had to reduce the number of items on school menus, and even make last-minute changes to the menus if the expected amount of food does not arrive on time. However, students still have options to choose from, and produce is still offered at mealtimes.

“We commend everyone involved at the districts and schools for their dedication to support and provide well-balanced meals to students throughout the state,” Stated the press release from the USBE. “We appreciate parent and student support of the school food service program during these challenging times. School food service programs play a critical role in education.”