FoodService Director - April 29, 2020 CSSI's Take: The University of Memphis foodservice team, overseen by Chartwells, stepped up to help out the community. They have been prepping roughly 8,000 meals each day for local K-12 students, in addition to feeding college students who remain on campus. Team members have made more than 173,000 boxed lunches for Shelby County Schools, which had to suspend meal service in late March when a worker tested positive for the coronavirus. YMCA Memphis is handling meal distribution and providing funding. Yet another example of the amazing work ethic and dedication of so many in the foodservice industry to provide help to those who need it most.

Food Management - April 23, 2020 CSSI's Take: This collection of social media posts highlights the creativity of dining operations teams at senior living facilities. From cocktail carts to ice cream "trucks" to pop-up grocery shops to room service delivery, staff all over the country are doing a fantastic job of keeping residents nourished and lifting spirits. Check it out if you need a smile!

Progressive Grocer - April 3, 2020 CSSI's Take: It's so encouraging to see Homeland embracing and promoting products from local eateries that are feeling the pinch. It's a win-win; the eateries are able to support a new avenue for their products and the grocer is able to offer quality products that are unique to their stores.

Eater New York - April 7, 2020 CSSI's Take: This article does a great job of highlighting the incredible work that those in the supply chain are doing to continue to feed the community and it shows that we all have a role to play in these uncertain times.

KQHA - April 03, 2020 CSSI's Take: The foodservice industry is vast. Understanding that, there is a balance, and when one side is up, the other side may be down and vice versa. Planning for the see-saw effect is going to be a major focus, whether it be cross-utilization of product from the various producers or some other business strategy will be interesting to see.

Business Wire - March 31, 2020 CSSI's Take: This is but another example of how companies in the food and hospitality industry are coming together to support those affected by this crisis.

Eater - April 6, 2020 CSSI's Take: As face-to-face classes have been suspended and online learning has commenced, many colleges are taking steps to ensure that students don’t have to bear the financial burden of dining hall closures. Some are offering prorated refunds for dining plans while others are transferring current funds as future credits. Clear communication of these policies is essential to their success and student satisfaction.

Food Management CSSI's Take: The Healthcare sector is under pressure to serve healthy foods now more than ever. But are cafeterias still having difficulty getting healthier food approved? If so, deliciously prepared plant-based foods are the key to approval. Nonprofit organizations exist that can provide resources to ensure those who are signing off on these necessary changes have the correct information in hand. In fact, these organizations provide hands-on training, recipes, menus, programs and more.

Foodservice Director CSSI's Take: School foodservice employees are going above and beyond to get meals to students during this uncertain time. Grab-and-go meals present a safe and speedy alternative to traditional meal service.