During recent district-wide short staffing, the Pioneer Bistro struggled to keep its doors open as well.

“We go home and we aren’t able to take care of our families because we’re so tired.” Bistro manager Margot Ramirez said.

A wave of COVID cases in January that caused a shortage of substitute teachers still affects workers at the Bistro. Because of short staffing, items such as hot drinks and street tacos are unavailable, as workers do not have time to meet the demand of students and special items.

On Feb. 8, Bos announced a continued limited Bistro menu, which followed with closure the rest of the week. Students who eat there daily have seen first hand the changes throughout past weeks.

“I’ve been sitting in the Bistro recently, and when I go to get food from there, there hasn’t been a lot of options,” freshman Amelia Paoli said, “and other times it’s just completely closed.”

Other students who rely on the Bistro for lunch have also felt impacted by recent changes. Students with dietary restrictions or a preference of the Bistro have had to find alternative lunch options.

“I’m pescatarian, and they are out of a lot of filling non-meat options,” freshman Gillian Lee said. “Sometimes I end up with only snack foods for lunch. I’ve been packing my lunch more often.”

Workers have pushed to keep open throughout recent changes and meet the needs of students.

“We know our kids, and know many of them like to eat here,” Ramirez said. “So we decided to open with just two people, leaving the options limited.”

Despite the decline in options, staff and students hope things will return to normal soon. Ramirez said she hopes that as we push through the pandemic, the Bistro will return to normal.

“I think once we get back to normal with COVID and everything, I think it will be back to its old self” Ramirez said.