OLYMPIA, Wash. — The Washington Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction has informed school administrators to prepare for a potential interruption of milk carton deliveries this fall.
Dairies are reporting a shortage in half-pint cartons, and deliveries could be slowed or canceled through the end of 2023.
“This is a supply chain issue, so we aren’t sure if we’re going to have them on a consistent basis,” said Lisa Jekel, Olympia School District’s Director of Child Nutrition and Food Services.
Jekel said the supply of milk is not impacted, just the half-pint cartons, the traditional size offered during school lunches and breakfasts.
In the event of a lack of half-pint deliveries, Jekel is ordering half-gallon containers and plastic cups.
Jekel said thankfully, more than half of Olympia students currently get milk on campus from cafeteria dispensers.
She said not serving milk was never an option at Olympia schools.
"The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) said I could do it, there's an option of juice, there's even an option of aseptic milk, the shelf-stable milk, but that's not an option because the kids don't drink it,” said Jekel, “It's not nutrition if you don't consume it so it's a matter to make sure they have what they need to fuel their bodies."
Jekel said the districts have been told the shortage should be over by January 2024.
A spokesperson for Tumwater schools said the district ordered bottled water for students if milk is not available.
Spokesperson Laurie Widenmeyer said the district did not have the staff to offer half-gallons and cups for students.
“We will also offer juice as an option,” said Wiedenmeyer.
North Thurston Public Schools spokesperson Amy Blondin said if deliveries are limited, the district will prioritize serving milk to elementary school students.
She said students may be offered different brands, flavors, and fat contents, and if milk is not available, the district will explore serving juice and water at school meals.