To say that schools underwent a change over the last year and a half would be putting it rather mildly. While school foodservice programs, and schools in general, are constantly facing an uphill battle against budgets and labor, adding in a pandemic to the mix is a recipe for unchartered waters for school foodservice directors across the south.
Naturally, school foodservice directors might have some questions. So we went to PMR's School Foodservice Expert, Dr. Mark McGrath with a few of our own questions about what he's hearing from schools. Mark listens to schools every day, hearing their challenges and locating opportunities to assist them in increasing student participation, ease labor concerns, improve menus and save money in the process.
How long have you been helping school districts solve their foodservice challenges for PMR?
Mark: I have been with PMR for 12 years working directly with schools to help match them with foodservice solutions designed to make meal preparation easier and more efficient, while keeping students fed.
What are the biggest pain points you hear about from school directors and staff as it pertains to school nutrition?
Mark: COVID has changed everything. The biggest pain points are staffing and supply chain issues for everything they buy, from food to paper and supplies, and certainly equipment as well.
What is the biggest difference between school foodservice before the pandemic and now?
Mark: One of the biggest challenges as a result of COVID has been the elimination of self-service in most schools. This has increased labor and the use of disposables for most fruits and vegetables.
Where are schools finding success in their foodservice programs?
Mark: I believe school foodservice directors would say that the only change for the better would be that all meals are free. No one knows how long this change will last but it has reduced their paperwork, the pressure point in the school of identifying paid/reduced/free students, and their income has increased as more students are eating and they are receiving free meal reimbursement.
What was your favorite school lunch as a kid?
Mark: I grew up in a school district that did not have a school foodservice program. I either carried a lunch or went home for lunch. My first real experience with a school nutrition program was in high school. The school offered chocolate milkshakes, so buying one was a real treat!
How can Dr. Mark McGrath and the school foodservice team at PMR help your school cafeteria navigate through this changing landscape in school nutrition? Receive a free K-12 Foodservice Review to find out more about the options available to you!
