September 7, 2021
Dear Penn-Delco Families:
We are writing to inform you about our lunch programs at Penn-Delco and an emerging national issue that is beginning to impact school nutrition programs.
Supply chain interruptions
While Penn-Delco is participating in the Seamless Summer Option (SSO) program (an offspring of the National School Lunch Program) that makes all students eligible to receive free lunch in our cafeterias (snacks and à la carte items are also available for purchase), we have been informed by Noe Ortega, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Education and Russell Redding, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, that food manufacturers and distributers have been experiencing challenges with staffing, labor and the rising costs of materials and transportation.
State officials have noted that “It is important to note that the supply chain may begin to impact school menus, resulting in a decrease in variety or repeated and unpredictable last-minute adjustments…” In fact, our school menus have been impacted already, preventing our food supplier from updating menu choices at our Nutrislice link until today. Additionally, menus you may have received from your school could be altered at the last minute. We have been assured by both PA officials that they will “continue to engage in conversations with the USDA on this topic, and keep you apprised of any updates.”
Preparing to support our students
We appreciate your patience as we work with our supplier, as well as the state, to ensure our students get the best nutrition available through the SSO program. Although all students are eligible for free meals this year, we do encourage families who may qualify to complete a free and reduced lunch application to ensure future eligibility and benefits.
For those families who may choose additional meal items at school, My School Bucks allows parents to view their child’s lunch account, add funds (for a small fee), check balances, or view what is being purchased. Parents may also send in a check for additional purchases. Checks should be made payable to “Penn-Delco School District” and put the child’s name in the memo section. Students will still have the ability to purchase items with cash if that is their choice.
Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding as we continue to monitor the emerging national issue related to food supply and costs and its impact on school nutrition programs. We will continue to keep you updated as more information is shared with our district.
Erik Zebley
Business Administrator
Penn-Delco School District
