How the Industrial Internet of Things Can Improve School Lunch Programs

Equipment monitoring, maintenance management, and trend identification are doable now. There are more IIoT food safety solutions in the works that may help school food programs in the next few years.

Track Incoming Food Items and Know Their Condition on Arrival

FDA announced this year a goal to digitally trace U.S. food from farm to kitchen. Right now, most food storage and transportation records are kept on paper. Real-time digital information from tracking devices will enable faster recalls in case of foodborne illness outbreaks. Some grocers, including Walmart and Hy-Vee, already use RFID tags to monitor products in transit to their stores.

Expect to see more real-time monitoring of the food chain as FDA and entrepreneurs work toward this goal. Among more than 1,600 startups related to farming and the food supply chain, many are focused on tech tools to monitor food freshness and storage conditions in transit from farm or factory to customers.

This technology will be implemented by suppliers, not schools. But school food managers should be aware that it’s in development and may want to ask their suppliers about it.

On-Site Inventory Tracking

Small, inexpensive RFID tags can also monitor the location of packages and pallets of food items on site. This kind of tracking can alert managers to theft. It can also make menu planning more efficient, because it gives managers a clear view of what’s available and what’s running low.

IIoT systems are worth looking into for any school food program, where reducing costs, cutting waste, and increasing safety are priorities. IIoT food safety technology is already helping some retailers, restaurants, and food manufacturers work smarter and safer. It can do the same for schools and the children they serve.

Cece is the founder, president, and CEO of Swift Sensors. Reach him at [email protected].