Normally, students know what to expect for lunch by the time they get to the cafeteria. But these days it’s become harder to predict because issues with the national supply chain have made it hard to get certain foods such as orange chicken, a popular lunch item at Peoria Unified School District's elementary and high schools.
"The manufacturer said it's now a 14-week lead time so you're looking at, you know, three to four months before you'll get it so we've had to take it off of our elementary menu," said Sandra Schossow, the district’s director of Food and Nutrition.
There have also been instances when the district's food orders come short and Schossow said that leaves schools scrambling to find alternative food items that are still nutritious and make kids excited about lunchtime so they are still getting a complete meal.
But the Peoria Unified School District isn't the only one experiencing these challenges. The Alhambra Elementary School District said in a recent Facebook post that last-minute changes to its food menus are occurring frequently due to nationwide shortage.
Both districts' are asking families for their patience and understanding as they navigate these challenges.
