Advertisement

Report: Boston Schools Food Program In Disarray

An external review of the Boston public school system's food services program has found widespread dysfunction that results in the loss of millions of dollars per year and a hostile work environment.

The review, commissioned by the School Department and completed last month, found the program had lost more than $21 million over the past eight years, even after the department took steps to rein in costs and increase revenue, including raising school lunch prices.

The management problems are so dire that the food program even lacks a system to alert cafeteria cashiers about students with food allergies, potentially putting the students at risk.

Employees described the leadership style of food service administrators as "management by intimidation."

Interim Superintendent John McDonough told The Boston Globe that the findings are "disturbing."

Advertisement

More from WBUR

Listen Live
Close