School districts scramble for alternatives amid nationwide milk carton shortage

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CAPITAL REGION, NY (WRGB) — A growing nationwide milk carton material shortage has school districts in disarray as they seek alternative solutions to provide students with milk.

USDA's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) say they are "aware [of the milk supply chain challenges]" and provided guidance:

"SED (State Education Department) may allow Program operators experiencing milk supply shortages to serve meals during an emergency period with an alternate form of fluid milk or without fluid milk."

Senator John Mannion called on NYSED and the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets urging the departments to work with districts to ensure students have access to milk in schools.

"Students should not be deprived of access to milk due to lack of packaging. Milk has been shown to provide numerous health benefits for children." Sen. Mannion pens in his letter to the departments.

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