By Blake Jackson
A nationwide shortage of milk cartons is disrupting school lunches in New York and other states. The shortage is due to operational challenges at Upstate Niagara Cooperative, an industry supplier of half-pint milk carton packaging.
The shortage is impacting schools' ability to offer milk to students, particularly those who rely on school meals for adequate nutrition. In response, the state Education Department has issued guidance advising districts to make every effort to continue providing dairy beverages and warning against replacing milk with juice.
Some schools are finding creative solutions to the shortage, such as pouring milk into individual cups or offering milk alternatives. However, other schools may be forced to go without milk altogether if the shortage worsens.
New York Senator Chuck Schumer has written to the USDA's leadership to address the milk carton shortage. He is urging the agency to take action to rectify the disruptions to the milk packaging supply chain.
The milk carton shortage is a reminder of the interconnectedness of our food system. When one part of the system is disrupted, it can have ripple effects throughout the entire chain.
Photo Credit: istock-tanyasid
Categories: New York, Livestock, Dairy Cattle