Current:Home > BackMilk carton shortage leaves some schools scrambling for options-Angel Dreamer Wealth Society D1 Reviews & Insights
Milk carton shortage leaves some schools scrambling for options
View Date:2024-12-23 18:29:16
Milk does a body good — and that's why schools nationwide are scrambling for options to ensure students don't miss a precious drop during a paper carton shortage.
Some schools have followed federal guidelines issued last week by the USDA, which said the agency was aware "multiple states are experiencing milk supply chain challenges related to packaging issues." The USDA said it considers the shortage a "temporary emergency condition" and that schools can be flexible in how they deliver milk to students, such as by serving it in cups instead of the usual cartons.
California, Pennsylvania and New York have advised their school districts to be flexible in how they get milk to their students. A required staple in many school breakfast and lunch programs, milk provides protein and nutrition to children and families who might not otherwise have access.
The California Department of Education said in a statement that school programs should follow federal guidelines and "allow flexibilities" during the carton shortage.
Numerous New York school systems, which have been hit especially hard by the shortage, are reporting that they are working on solutions to get milk to children. The dairy cooperative Upstate Niagara Cooperative said in a statement to CBS News that "a significant industry supplier of half-pint milk carton packaging is experiencing operational challenges." The cooperative said it still intends to deliver milk to its school customers in half-gallon containers in order to "nourish life" and contribute to children's growth, development and learning.
In New York state, the Fayetteville-Manlius School District, about 25 minutes from Syracuse, said in a statement that they purchased a one-month supply of "water bottles to replace milk." The school district also said they would look into making bulk milk purchases and then pouring the milk into cups for the children, but the option is more labor intensive and the school would also need to find cooler space.
Neighboring school district West Genesee said in a statement "once our current supply of milk in cartons is gone, we will serve milk in a cup with a lid."
Liverpool School district said in a statement once one pint cartons run out, chocolate milk will not be available.
Holley Central School District, about 30 minutes from Rochester, close to the Canadian border, said in a letter to parents that dairy farm cooperative Upstate Farms said that the shortage could last for months, but that the producer "expects to see improvement in supply by early 2024."
Some schools in Wisconsin switched to distributing fresh milk to their students in plastic pouches after two milk carton plants closed last year, reported the Wisconsin State Farmer.
Cara TabachnickCara Tabachnick is a news editor for CBSNews.com. Contact her at [email protected]
veryGood! (49751)
Related
- Artem Chigvintsev Returns to Dancing With the Stars Ballroom Amid Nikki Garcia Divorce
- Here's how much money you need to be a part of the 1%
- What is IVF? Explaining the procedure in Alabama's controversial Supreme Court ruling.
- Kia, Hyundai car owners can claim piece of $145M theft settlement next week, law firm says
- Tennessee fugitive accused of killing a man and lying about a bear chase is caught in South Carolina
- MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference continues to make strides in data acceptance
- Missing teen with autism found in New Mexico, about 200 miles away from his Arizona home
- Cat Janice, singer who went viral after dedicating last song to son amid cancer, dies at 31
- Controversial comedian Shane Gillis announces his 'biggest tour yet'
- 2 buses collide head-on in western Honduras, killing 17 people and injuring 14
Ranking
- 'Yellowstone' premiere: Record ratings, Rip's ride and Billy Klapper's tribute
- Don Henley says lyrics to ‘Hotel California’ and other Eagles songs were always his sole property
- Maryland Gov. Wes Moore lays out plan to fight child poverty
- Unwrapping the Drama Behind the Willy Wonka-Inspired Experience
- All the Ways Megan Fox Hinted at Her Pregnancy With Machine Gun Kelly
- I Used to Travel for a Living - Here Are 16 Travel Essentials That Are Always On My Packing List
- Comedian Richard Lewis, who recently starred on 'Curb Your Enthusiasm,' dies at 76
- Democrat Tom Suozzi to be sworn back into Congress today after winning special election for NY-3
Recommendation
-
How to Build Your Target Fall Capsule Wardrobe: Budget-Friendly Must-Haves for Effortless Style
-
The Best Ways to Sanitize All of Your Beauty Tools: Brushes, Tweezers, Jade Roller, NuFACE Device & More
-
The Best Posture Correctors & Posture Supporting Bras That You Can Wear Every Day
-
Alabama police find a woman dead on a roadside. Her mom says she was being held hostage.
-
New wildfires burn in US Northeast while bigger blazes rage out West
-
Cat Janice, singer who went viral after dedicating last song to son amid cancer, dies at 31
-
Suki Waterhouse's Sweet Baby Bump Photo Will Have You Saying OMG
-
Comedian Richard Lewis, who recently starred on 'Curb Your Enthusiasm,' dies at 76