Fairfax County Public Schools: The Reasons For Recent Menu Changes

Press release from Fairfax County Public Schools:

November 02, 2021

FCPS is offering no-cost meals to all students in-person this school year. A substantial increase in meal program participation, combined with local and nationwide supply chain issues, has resulted in fewer menu options. Average daily participation has increased 36%—from 110,000 pre-Covid to nearly 150,000.

FCPS Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) is experiencing shortages for a number of food and beverage items due to volume increases in all K-12 food programs nationally. Isolated vendor issues continue, due to a lack of delivery drivers and vendor equipment failures. As a result, menus are subject to change, but every effort is being made to keep menus stable and offer ample selections while meeting federal nutritional guidelines. Although proposed menus are planned far in advance, supply shortages have resulted in constant menu updating, which can be accessed through the FCPS FNS website.

It is always the goal of FNS to provide the most choices possible to every one of our students every day. FNS’ current focus remains on ensuring all students have access to a nutritious breakfast and lunch each day. As the school year progresses and industries stabilize, additional menu options will be added. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through these challenging times.

This press release was produced by Fairfax County Public Schools. The views expressed here are the author’s own.