Many students experience the novelty of school lunches every day, but many may not know the dedicated workers behind the hard work that goes into their food on a day-to-day basis.
A typical day for Elizabeth White, who is in charge of the register, is full of many large tasks.
“I gather all the items needed for serving and preparing breakfast,” White said. “We continuously clean and sanitize areas while monitoring the temperatures of foods and drinks throughout the day. After serving breakfast I finish the production and temperature sheet and start on getting prepared for lunch. I write the menu and set it out then prepare breakfast for the next day. I work at the register while lunches are being served and clean the cafeteria in between lunches. Then, I close at the end of the day, clean, mop, finish the production sheet, and help where it’s needed.”
After working at LCM for 15 and a half years, White said she has favorites and least favorite parts of the day like everyone else. According to White, the best part is working with all the ladies to provide good meals.
The cafeteria manager, Kristy Miller, has worked at LCM for 10 years. She said a typical day for her includes a variety of responsibilities such as prepping and cooking breakfast, serving, running the register, and taking care of paperwork. She also has inventory that she has to take care of, as well as new grocery orders.
“My favorite part of my job is seeing kids smile and watching them grow,” Miller said. “My least favorite part is doing the dishes.”
Like any other job, there are struggles going on in the background that one might not see. According to assistant manager Shondreka Williams, people don’t realize when they work understaffed, but they all get it done by working together as a team.
“My favorite part of my job is coming to work with my co-workers and making them smile,” Williams said. “Also preparing and serving kids, making sure they get a hot meal.”
This team watches the students grow every day, and they have some advice for them.
“Be kind to one another,” Miller said. “You don’t know what is going on in someone’s life.”
