Contingency Plans for School Nutrition Programs
Some solutions to the challenges facing K-12 foodservice this fall and beyond
The coronavirus pandemic presents complex challenges for all schools that are scheduled to reopen this fall. Will they be able to open at full capacity, or partly or not at all? The uncertainty of not knowing and the task of preparing for each different option preoccupies not just school administrators, but also school nutrition directors and their teams. There is no doubt that this will be a difficult school year for students and staff alike. On the foodservice side, feeding an entire school is a complicated operation on a good day, but throw in the possibility of a variety of different scenarios – from cafeteria service and classroom dining to take-home meals, compounded by breakfast, lunch and afternoon services – things are getting a whole lot more complex than they have been.
“We’re in ever changing, very, very uncertain times right now,” says Amy Lawrenz, food nutrition director for two Wisconsin-based school districts. “I have to have many different scenarios laid out and I don't know which one we'll be using to start the year, or if things will change throughout the year.”
She adds, “We don't know what each day is going to bring, but we want to make the focus our kids – and it has to be positive. It wears you down and it's going to be stressful, but together we can be strong, and we can get through this and help ensure our kids are happy and well-nourished this school year.”
Lawrenz and her team, like so many of their peers, had to adapt quickly in the spring with the shift to virtual learning and transitioned their standard food serving process to curbside pickup over the course of a weekend. Adapting to change is indeed the “new normal” and Vollrath offers a variety of product solutions to many challenges the pandemic is presenting for schools across the country.
Safety Guards
Available in mounted, hanging, tabletop and mobile varieties, these acrylic panels provide a shield that guards against airborne contaminants.
Hand Washing Station
This stainless-steel double-sided hand washing station is mobile and perfect for times when additional hand washing is required.
Food Delivery and Transport Bags
Insulated food delivery bags help the food prepared in the kitchen maintain its flavor, integrity and quality when it is brought to a classroom across school or driven across town.
EPP Carriers
Dishwasher safe, these food carriers offer best-in-class insulation that's one hundred percent recyclable, lightweight and durable.
Warewashing Racks
Dishracks are a great option for transporting prepared food wherever it needs to go and can help keep items organized with a variety of color choices.
4-Series Front of House
Vollrath 4-Series front-of-house serving systems offer modular designs that fit several sizes, shapes, and material options to add style and functionality to any foodservice operation.
2-Series Front of House
Vollrath 2-Series front-of-house serving lines offer a great value in a hot, cold or utility station, or a combination of the three.