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Food Service Was Hampered by Shortages During Covid

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that and come up with a solution for the kids.” For a while, there was difficulty getting bottled water
because manufactures couldn’t obtain the resin needed
What’s in store? “Prices are going up and there’s a to make plastic, she said.
shortage of labor,” Moore said. “Supply chain challenges
are expected to last well into 2022. Freight rates have “The good news is – things are coming back,” Moore
doubled over the last year.” said.

Instead of producing 20 different kinds of chicken She urged her audience, whether they’re in food service
nuggets, manufacturers are shrinking the number and or some other field, to rely on associations, such as
getting more efficiency from their staff, Moore said. AASBO and the School Nutrition Association for
guidance.
Another factor in the food chain is a shortage of computer
chips for vehicles, including trucks. Chips are on ships Her advice: utilize your resources, including AASBO;
from China, and the ships can’t get to a port because be transparent; remain flexible and be innovative.
“they don’t have people to unload them and they can’t
find a driver to get them where they need to go,” Moore “Let’s work together,” Moore said. “Remember this –
explained. just don’t give up.”

Cardboard for packaging is in short supply as well, she Karen Moore can be reached at: Karen_moore @shamrockfoods.
said, because much of it was purchased by Amazon. com or 602 477-6935
“Amazon skyrocketed during Covid because they bring
you everything in a box,” she said.

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34 THE EDGE FALL 2021