Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities

New rules may mean concession stand changes

Staff Writer

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In order to comply with state regulations that will be applied early next year, booster clubs may have to make some revisions with regard to what items will be offered to patrons at Clovis Municipal Schools concession stands.

During Tuesday’s board meeting Deputy Superintendent Carrie Bunce initiated discussion of the matter.

“There are some changes we are going to have to make regarding concession stands for the new food model the state of New Mexico has adopted,” she said. “This is just for informational reasons. We’ll primarily see some changes in softball, basketball and concession stand (operations), where they’re not able to sell things such as nachos, hot dogs, pizza and those kind of items without getting a certification. If the booster clubs choose not to do that, they will not be able to offer those food items anymore.”

Officials said effective March 1, all concession stands must be in compliance with the regulations. Per the stipulations, every time a concession stand is open, there must be a Person in Charge (PIC) who has completed the Food Handler Training Program — A class at Clovis Community College or certification in Lubbock or Amarillo, cost $125 — and have a certified Food Handlers Card. Bunce said groups that wish to sell temperature-regulated foods will be required to purchase the equipment to be in compliance

“It’s illegal to have pre-prepared food in the concession stands,” Clovis Municipal Schools Superintendent Jody Balch said. “So our goal is to have packaged stuff. The soft drinks in a can or bottle, pre-packaged candy bars and popcorn are all still good to go.”

Additionally, Balch said the individual in possession of the certification is required to be on site for the duration of the event.

In other meeting actions, the board approved an easement agreement with the city of Clovis for Yucca Middle School.

“This is for the water reclamation project for the fields,” Bunce said. “There’s an easement required on the corner of Sycamore and 14th Street.”

According to the agreement details, the easement would be for the installation, maintenance, repair, removal, replacement and operation of a vault and water pipeline upon, under and across land now owned by the school district.