California's $20 Minimum Wage Poses Staffing Challenges for School Cafeterias

California's new $20 minimum wage for fast food workers could make it harder for cash-strapped school districts to retain cafeteria staffers, who make as little as $15/hr currently.

School districts may have to compete with big chains like McDonald's and Wendy's for food service workers, who are vital as California distributes 70 million more free student meals per year.

Some districts have preemptively raised cafeteria workers' wages closer to $20/hr, but others are limited in what they can offer to compete.

Hiring and retention is already difficult for these roles due to high turnover and other staffing challenges.

Districts are attempting other strategies like limiting lower-paid roles and creating more skilled "lead" positions to attract applicants.