The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has issued an announcement that it is aware that schools in multiple states are experiencing milk supply chain challenges related to packaging issues. The FNS says state agencies have the authority to “serve meals during an emergency period with an alternate form of fluid milk or without fluid milk.”

According to ABC News, Pactiv Evergreen of Lake Forest, Illinois, which bills itself as “the leading manufacturer of fresh food and beverage packaging in North America” acknowledged in a statement November 3 that it “continues to face significantly higher than projected demand” for its milk cartons.

School officials in New York, Pennsylvania, California and Washington state said they were preparing for the shortage, while the USDA acknowledged that the supply chain problem affects “multiple states.”

“FNS appreciates the exceptional efforts of state agencies and program operators working to meet the nutritional needs of children during this time,” the October 25 statement said.