BCAT News

A national story that is all over the news is hitting close to home.

Shawsheen Valley Technical High School said in a letter to parents and the community last week that disruptions in the global supply chain are having a noticeable impact on the school’s food deliveries.

“The Food and Nutrition Department is asking for your patience and support as we navigate new challenges,” Food Service Director Robert Roach said. “As you may be aware, we are currently faced with unprecedented shortages of food and packaging materials, massive delays or cancellations of deliveries, and department labor shortages. Nationwide shortages and delays have affected availability of certain food items, leading to substitutions of menu items we’ve been able to offer regularly in the past. These supply issues are occurring throughout the country and are especially challenging for school systems, due to the quantity of meals we serve and the nutrition standards we follow.”

Roach said all of this means that they may need to make quick substitutions to their menus based upon what they are able to acquire. He said he knows that this affects students, and they are doing their best to provide updates about menu changes when possible as soon as they identify an issue.

“Please know that our number one priority continues to be providing healthy, nutritious, and appetizing meals for your children,” Roach added. “We love seeing them every day and appreciate your support and patience as we continue to offer meals at no charge for all students. The good news is that free breakfast and lunch will continue throughout the school year, so please stick with us while we face yet another challenge. Your participation helps our program stay strong, and we look forward to serving you!”

BNEWS has reached out to the Burlington Public School Administration to see how schools in town are being impacted by this disruption and will post a story after getting a response.