There are 16 cafeteria manager positions open in the Anchorage School District. Until they're filled, students at those schools will get a bag lunch.
Server/Cashier Julie Whitfield prepares for lunch at Dena’ina Elementary School in Wasilla in 2020. In Anchorage, the school district is struggling to hire cafeteria workers this year. as the first day of school approaches. District leaders say there’s also a shortage of cafeteria workers, which could impact student meals.
Mergens said there are 16 cafeteria manager positions open in the district. It’s an improvement from the 22 open positions they started with last school year. Still, that’s 16 schools that can’t serve hot meals. Schools that can serve hot meals will still have challenges related to the worker shortage. Without enough truck drivers, ingredients can’t arrive on schedule. That can result in some last-minute menu changes — and disappointed kids.