Due to ongoing supply chain issues, there is a nationwide shortage of food and supplies that are used for school meals programs.
The Mississippi Department of Education Child Nutrition Statewide Purchasing System has performed well throughout this crisis by leveraging the buying power of more than 96% of Mississippi school districts, utilizing direct to manufacturer contracts and working with distributors to find alternate providers for food and supplies. However, schools will see periodic shortages on some foods and supplies.
As shortages are being widely reported by the national news media, districts are encouraged to inform the public that planned menus may change based on product availability. Also, districts should employ the available USDA flexibilities, including the ability to make emergency purchases when needed. A link to the USDA SY 2022 Procurement Strategies webinar is provided below.
The Office of Child Nutrition provides an update on supply chain issues every two weeks. We recommend CN Directors attend these Teams meetings to better plan menus and ordering. For more information, including a link to supply chain Teams meetings, contact the Office of Child Nutrition at (601) 576-5000.