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Board grants one‑year exemption from styrofoam ban for school food service to allow time to find durable alternatives
Summary
Supervisors approved a one‑year exemption (July 1–June 30) for the school division to continue limited use of styrofoam foodservice items while the regional purchasing coop seeks affordable, durable alternatives; the board said the school system must reapply before the exemption expires.
The board granted a one‑year exemption to the local school division from a styrofoam food‑service ban to allow the purchasing cooperative time to find affordable, durable alternatives.
County staff explained the schools’ food‑service cooperative had expected more time to comply with a new DEQ‑driven ban; some schools keep limited styrofoam trays and bowls on hand for temporary use during dishwasher outages or staff shortages. The item came with a request from school officials for a one‑year extension, which a supervisor moved and the board approved.
A supervisor clarified that the exemption runs from July 1 through June 30 of the following year and that the schools must reapply for an extension prior to the exemption’s expiration. Staff said the cooperative is actively seeking suitable replacements and testing samples; the board asked the schools to continue pursuing alternatives responsive to student needs and durability concerns.
The motion to grant the one‑year extension passed with a verbal "Aye" vote; staff said the schools could request additional extensions before the deadline if necessary.
