Lack of supplies leaves a bad taste in pupils’ mouths
Short ages mean favourite foods could be off school menu
Favourite foods could be off the menu in South Lanarkshire schools – as supply problems take a bite out of pupils’ meals.
South Lanarkshire Council has confirmed it is having to adapt menus for youngsters due to ongoing issues, and that the situation may become even worse in the coming months.
There are now concerns over whether the shortages could affect children with specific dietary requirements.
The news comes in the same week a trade industry body warned shoppers may have to face up to less choice permanently.
The council’s current range of food includes pasta, meatballs, fish and chips, sandwiches and Quorn dippers.
Alistair McKinnon, head of facilities waste and grounds services, explained: “Our suppliers have informed us that they are experiencing difficulty with supply chains of food items and trade disruption due to the Covid pandemic and Brexit, and as a result we will be adapting school and nursery menus as a result of shortages in delivery should they occur.”
A number of supermarkets and pubs recently blamed a lack of heavy goods vehicle (HGV) lorry drivers for causing problems in their supply chains, creating shortages of some products.
Local politicians believe the news is due to Brexit, with a number of EU workers leaving the UK and not being replaced, creating a shortage of drivers.
Clare Haughey, the Rutherglen MSP, said: “Brexit – which was overwhelmingly rejected by people in Scotland – is devastating for our communities.
“With the economy opening up after periods of closures and lockdowns due to Covid-19, we are now seeing the damaging effects of Brexit on a daily basis.
“Workforces across many sectors, including haulage, have been badly affected, prices have risen, and we are seeing food shortages in supermarkets.
“I am concerned about the food supply issues in local schools, particularly for the most vulnerable children and those with dietary requirements.
“I appreciate it must be difficult for South Lanarkshire Council as they are dependent on deliveries, but I’d encourage them to continue dialogue with parents so they are kept as up-to-date as possible.” Pam Duncan-Glancy, the Labour list
MSP, stated: “Over the last few weeks and months, it has become increasingly clearer that Brexit is causing significant disruption to our everyday lives.
“For some time now, we’ve been seeing shortages in products – from supermarket shelves to McDonald’s milkshakes – and now we are seeing South Lanarkshire Council forced to change its school and nursery meals menu.
“The UK government has to take action to tackle the crisis to prevent further disruption to supply chains, and it will need to do so through a broad approach – starting by recognising that this crisis has been exacerbated by its Brexit deal.
“Urgent steps must be taken to get more HGV drivers on the roads, otherwise this situation will only worsen, and the impact will be felt across every sector.”