NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) — New York City Public Schools students and parents have been complaining to their representatives about the decline in food quality and quantity in school cafeterias, and photos depicting moldy fruit, unidentifiable mush and spoiled cream cheese have backed up the claims.
New York State Senator Iwen Chu—who represents southwest Brooklyn neighborhoods that include Bay Ridge, Sunset Park and Bensonhurst—said that complaints began pouring in a month ago. In response, she sent a letter to the mayor’s office and DOE that went out on Feb. 16.
“These budget cuts have left school lunch options unpalatable and lacking adequate nutrition,” Chu wrote. “Students face food insecurity and rely on these meals to support their nutritional needs.”
She also highlighted the overwhelming research that shows the negative impacts of insufficient nutrition on school-aged children, impacting their memory, concentration, motor skills, academic performance and overall mood.
Chu told 1010 WINS/WCBS 880 that the DOE just responded to her letter and confirmed that a menu change occurred, but did not say when or explain exactly why.
Photos depicting the low-quality lunches and came in from Brooklyn Technical High School, Staten Island Technical High School, Goldstein High School for the Sciences and more.
“One student sent me a moldy orange, you can see a black orange, and bruised. The other one is a purple, grayish… it’s really hard to identify,” Chu said.
In addition to the decline in nutrition and appeal, Chu also said that quantity has become a concern.
“The hot meal is very limited, so if you are late to the lunch cafeteria, then you don’t get the hot food, you only get the cold sandwich, like peanut butter and jelly,” Chu said.
The DOE did not immediately respond to 1010 WINS/WCBS 880’s request for comment.