November 13, 2023
Dear Parent or Caregiver,
There is a national shortage of half-pint milk cartons. As a result, schools throughout the country are scrambling to determine the best way to serve milk with school meals. Currently, our supplier is still able to send us cartons. When cartons are no longer available, we will have to change how milk is served to best respond to this. We will continue to provide as many milk options as possible, but that may be limited by our supplier.
The New York State Education Department has given us a few options. We can:
● pour milk from larger containers into individual cups,
● offer one type of milk instead of a variety,
● offer an alternate form of fluid milk such as low-fat or fat-free lactose-free milk or reduced-lactose fluid milk, or
● as a last resort, not offer fluid milk altogether.
Because there is not a problem with the supply of milk itself, we intend to follow the first option. Your children will continue to have access to milk as part of their meals. Our cafeteria staff will provide directions to students on how to get their milk.
I want to be clear, this is not a milk shortage, but a cardboard shortage only. Please know that we are working to keep milk on the table for your children by all means available.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Cafeteria Manager Stephanie Fisher at (607) 847-7500, ext. 4407.
Sincerely,
Brenton S. Taylor, Superintendent of Schools