November 2, 2023
Dear Chenango Valley Families,
Since being informed of an unexpected nationwide shortage of paper milk cartons at the end of last week, the Chenango Valley Central School District has been diligently working with the Food Services Team on ways to address this issue once we have exhausted our half-pint milk carton supply. We expect our current supply may last through early next week.
Here is Chenango Valley’s current plan to address the nationwide shortage of milk packaging:
- In order to continue to offer milk to the students who want it, Chenango Valley has ordered beverage dispensers for each school cafeteria.
- The district will order half-gallon containers of 1% white milk as well as chocolate milk to be available in the beverage dispensers.
- The district will plan to set up a table in each cafeteria for a “milk station” starting next week.
- Cups will be distributed from the cafeteria registers. They will not be available at the milk stations.
- Chenango Bridge Elementary, Chenango Valley Middle School, and Chenango Valley High School students will be able to access milk through a self-serve model. We are working on addressing the staffing needs to help our younger students pour milk at Port Dickinson Elementary.
- Chenango Valley Food Services staff will fill the containers, monitor the temperature, and wash the containers daily.
Juice and water options will also continue to be provided by CV Food Services.
At this time, we have been informed that the carton shortage is expected to continue into early 2024 and could stretch into the spring.
We understand that milk is an important source of vitamins and nutrients, and we will continue to evaluate our current plan and make any necessary adjustments. We recognize that this situation comes with its challenges, and we thank you for your patience in case we need to make further changes.
If you have questions, please reach out to the CV Food Services Department at 607-762-6928.
Sincerely,
Dr. Larry Dake
Superintendent of Schools