Snow days create challenges in Ohio school cafeterias

MANSFIELD, Ohio—When weather forces the closing of school most kids greet the news by pulling up the covers, rolling over and going back to sleep.

It’s a much different reaction within the food service department of Mansfield City Schools. Snow and subzero temperatures play havoc with a carefully orchestrated schedule of food deliveries, available freezer space and menus planned a month in advance.

“Closing schools, particularly several days in a row, presents challenges for us,” said Jane Fortman, the district’s food service manager. “We have to cancel deliveries when we can. If we do get a delivery on a closed day, we often must find room in our freezers.”