Global supply chain difficulties affecting Lee County school lunches

The world’s supply chain issues are hitting your child’s school lunch, if you are a Lee County parent. This week, said parents received an email saying to expect changes in the cafeteria beginning in 2022.

As of Jan. 1, the School District of Lee County will be serving PB&J sandwiches as a cold lunch option. These are individually packaged sandwiches of the Uncrustables brand which will not be opened in the kitchen, to avoid cross-contamination.

When WINK News reached out to LCSD to confirm the reason for this new option, the District responded:

“This is a supply chain issue. Peanut butter is a readily available source of protein so we are reintroducing it into our school lunches.”

LCSD did warn back in August that supply chain issues could cause changes in the menu, but it maintains it will always give students a hot and cold lunch option. The District also says it is working on a food allergen management plan to ensure that any student with food allergies does not come in contact with the food they are allergic to. It is asking any parents whose child needs an EpiPen to consider providing one that the school can use in emergencies.

It is also is giving parents the option to request placemats for their students with severe dietary allergies. This will boh act as another barrier and help cafeteria and custodial crews to quickly identify these students.