School Nutrition Bulletin: Milk Supply Chain Resources

Announcements from the WI DPI School Nutrition Team (SNT)

• Updates from the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) School Nutrition Team

Updates from the DPI School Nutrition Team
 

Milk Supply Chain Resources and Purchasing Alternatives

The DPI SNT was recently made aware that an industry supplier of half-pint milk cartons is experiencing a shortage which may impact your school food authority’s (SFA’s) ability to serve milk. SFAs experiencing milk supply challenges can consider the strategies below to navigate this disruption.

Procurement Support

Utilize the Wisconsin Milk Known Vendor List to contact alternative suppliers. This list is not exhaustive. Please share contact information for other milk suppliers that work with schools and would like to be added to the list.

Emergency Procurement Method

• Noncompetitive purchasing is an option due to the supply chain disruption.
• Use this method to purchase milk, equipment (e.g., bulk dispenser machine), and/or supplies (e.g., re-usable 9-12 oz tumblers).
• Enter into a new emergency contract, limited to one school year.
• Negotiate reasonable pricing, terms, and conditions.
• Document use of this method in procurement records.

Consider Alternative Vendors

• Primary or secondary prime vendor or distributor
• Piggyback on a Buying Group or School Cooperative contract
• Piggyback on a County or State contract

Consider Less Restrictive Product List Specifications

• Request less variety and streamline product list. Ensure a minimum of two milk types are available to all students at each meal. One milk type must be unflavored at each meal.
• Order bulk bib or gallon packaging. Serve by purchasing reusable 9-12 fl oz clear plastic tumbler cups to hold a full 8 fl oz serving. The use of bibs will require the purchase of a milk dispenser machine. Utilize the List of Known Equipment Vendors Operating in Wisconsin to assist in soliciting price quotes.

Fluid Milk Component Alternatives

• Shelf stable milk
• Reconstituted milk

Bulk Milk Considerations

• Improved taste
• Can be served at a cooler temperature
• May be more cost-effective or readily available than half-pint cartons
• Students must take a full 8 fl oz serving
  • Minimum cup size to accommodate this is 9 fl oz
• Can help limit food waste
  • Decreased packaging
  • Reduces empty shipping spaces
• Additional resources:
  • Switching from Milk Cartons to Milk Dispensers at Bluestone Elementary School
  • The Lunch Box-Bulk Milk
  • Analysis of Milk Dispensers and Milk Cartons for Auburn School District

Flexibilities

• SFAs unable to source compliant milk types must Notify DPI SNT to discuss alternative options and document use of any flexibility.

Crediting Milk

• Measured in cups: 8 fluid ounces = 1 cup = ½ pint = 1 carton
• Review the Milk Component information for the Infant and Pre-K meal pattern, if your SFA serves children 1-5 years of age and not yet in kindergarten.
• Breakfast and Lunch Meal Pattern: 1 cup milk is required for all age-grade groups (Grades K-5, 6-8, K-8, 9-12)

See the Menu Planning-Milk Component Webpage for more information.

Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
Jill K. Underly, PhD, State Superintendent
125 S Webster Street
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 266-3390 • (800) 441-4563