New Mexico's scratch-cooking mandate is stretching school kitchen crews
Under a state law requiring at least half of school meals to be made from scratch, Albuquerque Public Schools reports per-meal food costs up 25% to 40%. The union representing cafeteria staff says mostly part-time workers are overwhelmed by scratch prep in short shifts.
Why it matters for directors: Scratch-cooking goals succeed or fail on labor hours and skills training; budget both before you commit to a mandate or a menu overhaul.
Original source: Albuquerque Journal ↗