Fewer inspectors are examining the kitchens of Prince George’s County restaurants, nursing homes, schools and day cares due to a hiring freeze and dwindling county revenues.
In an office of about 70 people, including clerical workers, six critical positions are vacant, with no immediate replacement plans. One of the missing employees is the main sanitarian for the schools; One is the supervisor for the division that oversees school inspections.
“At this time, it’s extremely difficult,” said Paul Meyer, the county’s director of environmental health.
Meyer explained his department is calling upon other employees to perform inspections, and working in collaboration with the school system to ensure measures are taken to reduce health risks even though inspections may be delayed.
Within the school system, tremendous need and tight funding are hampering the district’s ability to address cafeteria repairs that impact health concerns.
John White, spokesman for the school system, said the school board recently undertook an assessment of its capital needs. Of $2.1 billion in necessary repairs, $64 million is needed for kitchens and food service.
In fiscal 2009, a total of $89 million was approved by the county for capital improvements. In 2010, district officials expect funds to decline.
Marcia Rubin, director of research for Ohio-based American School Health Association, said student achievement is affected.
“If the environment is not welcoming and clean, kids don’t come and eat,” Rubin said, explaining students then either go without or choose unhealthy alternatives. “The impact is they’re not getting the nutrition they need to function well in the classroom.”
