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State Senator Raises Concerns About Moldy Food in NYC School Cafeterias

What you should know

  • A state senator who represents parts of Brooklyn says parents and students in her district have been filling her phone with complaints about the food served in New York City school cafeterias.
  • “We need to provide quality nutrition and fresh lunches, not moldy oranges or moldy cream cheese,” said Chu, who represents neighborhoods including Sunset Park, Bay Ridge and Dyker Heights. “It’s not acceptable with that kind of quality.”
  • The lawmaker sent a letter to the mayor’s office and the city’s Department of Education (DOE) asking questions about the meals.

NEW YORK — Cream cheese that has changed color after spoiling. A plate of rice and beans and nothing else. And one side of what can best be described as “sort of mushy” gray.

A state senator who represents parts of Brooklyn says parents and students in her district have been filling her phone with complaints about the food served in New York City school cafeterias.

State Senator Iwen Chu said students have recently noticed a drastic change in food quality and have complained about some meals and items that are concerning at best. Her inbox has been flooded since early February with images showing food that, in some extreme cases, appears to be moldy.

“We need to provide quality nutrition and fresh lunches, not moldy oranges or moldy cream cheese,” said Chu, who represents neighborhoods including Sunset Park, Bay Ridge and Dyker Heights. “It’s not acceptable with that kind of quality.”

Chu told NBC New York that students from several high schools, including Brooklyn Tech, Edward R. Murrow, Midwood and Staten Island Tech, sent him photos of their meals. One of the common complaints has been the decrease in protein options.

“What I heard from students is that they eat pizza every other day, without meat. Sometimes they eat chicken nuggets, but not at every meal. They may have [una proteína] once a day,” Chu said.

The lawmaker sent a letter to the mayor’s office and the city’s Department of Education (DOE) asking questions about the meals. She said she was still waiting for either of them to “tell us exactly what the problem is.”

A DOE spokesperson said in a statement that “all food quality issues are investigated immediately and we follow extensive daily protocols to ensure food is received, stored, cooked and served safely.” The department added that a team of inspectors visited the schools Chu referred to in his letter.

Meanwhile, Brooklyn Tech High student Teddy Simmons said he will continue to pack his lunch from home and hopes Chu’s efforts will make a difference.

“I think there’s been a decline in quality since I’ve been here, like there’s less chicken tenders,” he said. “Some of them prioritize nutrition and low cost, and it doesn’t matter if the kids don’t eat your food.”

2024-03-07 04:01:23
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