MNPS Backs Off of Privatization in Food Service!

The day after SEIU hosted a positive meeting with food service workers and community supporters of healthy food initiatives, Fred Carr and Jay Nelson sent out an email across the district about privatization in the food service department.  Here's the most important part:

Rumors have been circulating regarding the outsourcing of Food Service in Metro Schools. This may have roots in the fact that custodial service was outsourced last year and we recently had a visit from the Council of Great City Schools to provide us a management study of our department.  Metro Schools is NOT outsourcing Food Service.

Even though these "rumors" happened in part because Fred Carr said that the district was "looking at all options" when asked about outsourcing at an in-service meeting, we are nonetheless thankful for this great news.  We see it as a sign that the district is being more thoughtful before implementing major changes.  It's a shame that the custodians were not given this consideration, but at least one group of MNPS employees has something to be thankful for this holiday season.

The Union will continue to stay involved with the movement for healthy food in our schools and we encourage you to get involved too if you aren't already by contacting Community Food Advocates.