The Chicago school system spent millions of dollars to bring in food and beverages from area restaurants and catering companies, including more than $500,000 since July.
The district last week acknowledged it spent roughly $2.9 million on “food from outside vendors” during the budget year that ended June 30. Nearly half was spent by the central office; more than a third of the money couldn’t be accounted for.
The disclosure comes as the cash-strapped district’s recently installed leadership team has sought to publicize its efforts to cut expenses.
New guidelines now allow only food and beverage purchases for student activities or parent events if the events are longer than four hours or occur during normal mealtimes.
