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By JOYANNA LOVE/ Managing Editor

While the food in the cafeteria may be different than what had been initially on the menu, Chilton County Schools Child Nutrition Program is still going strong.

Supply chain delays have required flexibility in recent days, but CNP director Tasha Hayes said dealing with a truck not coming in is something that can happen at any time.

“We have our state bid through Merchant’s (Food Service) and then I also have a bid through Sysco, so fortunately we have been able to supply what we need for the children,” Hayes said.

She said there have not been major issues.

“Overall, it has been fine,” Hayes said.

However, part of this is because the department has staff that go to the Sysco warehouse in Calera to pick up items when needed.

“Being able to use both of them has been great,” Hayes said.

Hayes said there have been certain items that have not been available, whether because the supplier is out or because the supplier cannot get it, but the goal is to always have a hot lunch.

“We have been able to supply them with what they need, as far as getting them their nutrition every single day,” Hayes said. “Again, it might not be what is on the menu because of the deplete in some of the food supply chains.”

Staff at specific schools contact Hayes for approval on substitutions to continue to meet the nutritional requirements for school meals.

“All of my CNP staff have just handled it,” Hayes said. “They do a great job.”

She said teachers and parents are notified when there is a menu item that will be changed.

Hayes said everyone has been flexible and understanding and asked for families to continue to be flexible during this time.