US schools face milk carton crisis amid supply chain woes

School cafeterias across the US are facing a shortage of a lunchtime staple: milk cartons. A main supplier of half-pint paperboard containers, Pactiv Evergreen, has been unable to meet the higher than expected demand from schools that have reopened amid the pandemic.

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The company, which produces about 60% of the US school milk cartons, said it was working to increase its production and supply, but warned that the shortage could last until early 2024.

“We are working diligently to increase our production and supply of paperboard to address the unprecedented demand across the industry and apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused our customers,” Pactiv Evergreen spokesman John Schweitzer said in a statement.

The shortage has forced school officials to find alternative ways to serve milk to students, such as using different types, sizes, or containers of milk. Some schools have switched to plastic bottles, pouches, or cups, while others have opted for larger cartons that can be shared among students.

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA), which oversees the school meal program, has allowed some flexibility in the milk requirement for school meals during the shortage. Schools can serve milk that is not fat-free or low-fat, or offer other calcium-rich foods…