What is a Lunch Lady?

By Evelyn Wheeler

(13 years of QUALITY Service with Lampasas ISD (Texas) Child Nutrition)

The wonderful people that work in the cafeteria are more than hairnets and aprons!  

We are dedicated in providing nutritious meals to all our students and staff. It is our 

goal to provide quality food in a safe environment by highly motivated employees. This is 

accomplished by maintaining an effective staff who provide meals with a friendly smile!

INDIANA SCHOOL NUTRITION 'HEART CONNECTIONS' 

Marcia Miller ~ Manager of School Food Services ~ Orchard View Elementary School ~ Middlebury, IN

"Marcia Miller is truly a Special Kind of School Nutrition Professional.  She realizes the Power of Collaboration and Working Together with EVERYONE in her School System to Help the Children.  Marcia has a HUGE HEART that is equalled by her Child Nutrition Staff!"~MGM 

Imagine, two little boys trotting down the lunch line who look disheveled, hungry, and in need of a hug.  Marcia Miller, manager of the Orchard View Elementary School School Cafeteria, knew exactly what to do--she provided the boys with a hot meal.  Then, she took the time to have a loving conversation with the boys. She let them  know they were safe and that she would listen. 

Quickly, the boys opened up.  They let Marcia know that their mom had just divorced.   Since they had no family in the area--they had no where to go.  Finally, one of the little boys let it slip, "We're living in mom's car."  They told her it was difficult for their mom to get a job because she only had a 3rd grade education.  Quietly, without judgment, Marcia listened. Then, she sprung into action. 

First, Marcia went to her 'Sweet-Natured Lunch Ladies' to discuss how they could help.  Second, she spoke to the boy's teacher to collaborate and find ways to Support and Help the Chidren by finding ways to Assist the Mom.  Third, she went to the custodian to discuss ways he could help. 

Marcia and her Lunch Ladies spear-headed the 'Heart Connections Mission' to assist these boys. 

• The boy's teacher set up an account for the family.   She then worked with the Mom to get her GED.

• To give the family IMMEDIATE relief, 'the Lunch Ladies' pooled their money to create enough cash to get the children out of their car and into a Temporary small motel room. 

• Then to ensure the boys would be able to find a more permanent place to live, Marcia, the Lunch Ladies, and the Custodian gave up one of their precious Saturday's to put on a Community 'Pancake and Sausage Breakfast'.  The custodian set up and took down all the tables, while the Lunch Ladies cooked, served and cleaned up the Breakfast.  Working together, they were able to Raise Enough Money to get the family out of the motel and into an apt--with rent paid ahead to keep them safe for several months. 

• After the family was moved into their permanent Apt, one of the boys came running into the cafeteria to find Marica.  Out of breath the little guy blurted out, "We Got a Place to Live.  We don't have to live in our car any longer.  We're all Together, We're All Together ...AND that's all that counts!" 

Marcia's willingness to Collaborate and Create Solutions changed the trajectory of these two little boys lives.  

School Nutrition Makes 'HEART CONNECTIONS' that truly Save Lives! 

~Tracie Gannon –Middlebury Community Schools: Heritage Intermediate School Café Manager -Heart Story

Heart-Felt compassion oozes from Child Nutrition Café Manager, Tracie Gannan.   Although she has three children of her own, daily, she watches over her ‘Special Needs’ Sister-In-Law and other family members to ensure they are well taken care of at all times.  Without complaint, she handles each challenge with love and joy. 

Tracie’s compassion shines through in her work environment, too.  A young gal with Autism Spectrum Disorder applied to work in Tracie’s school cafeteria.  Tracie knew other managers had turned her down for employment but Tracie saw great potential in this gal. She hired her. 

Although the gal was very ‘book smart’ she had difficulties with everything from bathing to standing too close while communicating thereby invading personal space.  With patience and love, Tracie worked with this young gal to show and teach her not only how to work in a school kitchen but also how to engage, connect and work with others on the team.  Tracie protected her from frustrated co-workers and taught her to stand up for herself.   

Instead of focusing on the gal’s numerous ‘quirks’, Tracie focused on her special talents.  Tracie soon discovered this gal’s incredible work ethic and ability to systemize and count food items, children and just about everything.  She is now an indispensable part of Tracie’s Team. 

Because of Tracie’s HEART-felt compassion, she has a fabulous school food worker who might have been easily overlooked by others. 

School Nutrition Professionals have HEART-Felt Compassion!   

FLORIDA SCHOOL NUTRITION 'HEART CONNECTIONS'

Joanne Terry ~Charlotte County School~Punta Gorda, FL  School Nutrition Department -CHAMP'S CAFE       (CLICK ON PICTURE TO SEE VIDEO)

Joanne Terry has a giving heart.   Again and again and again...she has spearheaded efforts to help others both near and far.

Living on the southwest coast of Florida, Joanne has experienced numerous hurricanes.  She truly understands the devastation of a natural disaster.  Especially, for her fellow School Nutrition Professionals. 

May 2013... a tornado devasted Oklahoma. Joanne took action.  Immediately, she led a campaign to raise money and to secure needed items to help her fellow school nutrition colleagues in the Oklahoma area.  After Hurricane Sanday in Fall 2012, again she took action.  Joanne asked SNA members to assist her in raising funds for all school nutrition employees in New York and New Jersey. 

Joanne's compassion for others does not stop with disasters.  When her grandson was having surgery, she visited All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg.  When she observed that supplies were needed at the Ronald McDonald House, she reached out to local SNA Presidents and asked them to bring needed items to the upcoming state leadership meeting. 

Each Christmas, Joanne supports the 'Help Our Own' project.  The 'Help Our Own' project gives struggling school nutrition families a brighter holiday season.  Joanne collects funds every year to distribute to her fellow School Nutrition Professionals (Luscious Lunch Ladies and Marvelous Meal Men) . 

Joanne is an extraordinary member of SNA.  She has served in various leadership roles of her local asociation and has served as chair for Scholorship and Awards in the Florida SNA. 

Joanne Terry's commitment to SNA and her compassion for others makes her a School Nutrition HERO with a BIG HEART!

Click On Link to WATCH VIDEO: http://getpocket.com/a/read/1351708834

OREGON SCHOOL NUTRITION 'HEART CONNECTIONS' 

Lynne Shore ~ Director of Nutrition Services ~ Willamenia School District~ Willamenia, OR

"Every Friday at the crack of dawn the tireless Nutritious SNACK ELF, Lynne Shore, makes her rounds to each Willamina Elementary School Classroom.  Through her efforts, over 500 of Oregon's children now have access to nutritious take-home snacks on weekends and extended school breaks." 

Here's How Lynne Shore and  Does IT:

ARIZONA SCHOOL NUTRITION 'HEART CONNECTIONS' 

Terri Murch ~ Manager of School Food Services ~ Carl Hayden High School ~ Phoenix, AZ

"Over the years I've had the honor and privilege to work at many different schools as a Child Nutrition Professional.  One Heart Story that stands out in my mind happened in an Elementary School.  We had a reading program where students took books home , in their backpacks, to read that night. When they returned the next day, their parent or guardian had signed a note stating they had read the book.  We then gave out Reading Certificates from School Nutrition to encourage the children to read more books.  The children were thrilled with the certificates.

One of our school nutrition team members noticed the same children received certificates over and over but some children did not receive any certificates.  The mystery was solved when one of our students said, "I want a reading certificate but I don't have a backpack to take the books home to read."  We noticed several of our student customers from low-income families didn't have backpacks so they couldn't take books home nor could they receive reading certificates. 

To solve the problem--Our generous School Nutrition team members got together, pooled their money, and purchased several backpacks for students.  Our Hearts were filled with joy and pride when our students came through the line with grins a mile wide sporting their new backpacks to receive their reading certificates'.  A simple act of kindness was all these students needed to set them on a path of success.  

NEW YORK SCHOOL NUTRITION 'HEART CONNECTIONS' 

[ iThacaJournal (Part of the USA TODAY Network)  Article by Sally Marx, Correspondent]

Jerry Carr ~ Director School Food Services~ Spencer Van Etten Central School District~ New York

 "One hungry student at Spencer-Van Etten High School is much happier for being able to buy a hot lunch these  days.

 Food Service Director Jerry Carr had the unpleasant task of telling a student who had run up a large  bill on lunches that he or she was only able to have the peanut butter sandwich, due to owing so much money on the account. Carr had sent out the standard letter explaining to the parents that a large sum had accumulated and asking for payment. No money was sent. Carr then called and spoke with a parent, who did not respond well. The bill was not paid, and the parent said the student could just pack a lunch if he or she was hungry.

When Carr approached the student about this, the student replied that it was impossible because there just wasn’t enough food in the house. When there was bread, there was nothing to put in between the slices. When there was a filling or peanut butter, there was no bread. The student was obviously angry, frustrated and hungry. Carr felt terrible because the family income was too high to receive the free or reduced meal subsidy.

Help came in an unexpected way, however. Carr was having lunch with an old friend of significant means and considerable generosity. He shared his frustration over the plight of the student who was hungry. Carr’s friend asked what could be done to help. How much would it cost to pay for this student’s lunches for the remainder of the school year? When the friend heard the amount, that sealed the deal.

Now, that formerly hungry student is getting both breakfast and lunch every day and is very happy.

“It’s changed the student’s whole outlook and behavior,” Carr explained. “The student does much better being fed. It’s nice to know that when there is a need, caring people can help anonymously. It’s important to fuel our students’ bodies so they can learn and absorb all the information at school.”

Even better, Carr received a special valentine from this same donor. Valentine’s Day is all about love, and Carr’s friend asked if there were other students in the same situation, because this kind person was willing to donate additional funds to help other hungry kids. Carr was touched by the donor’s generosity and willingness to help. He is more than willing to receive gifts from people who want to help our kids.

Checks can be made out to Spencer Van Etten Cafeteria and marked “Attention: Jerry Carr.” The address is 16 Dartts Crossroad, Spencer, NY 14883."

Jared Boice ~ School Food Services ~ Walton Elementary School ~ New York

" The day after MGM spoke for NYSNA ~Eastern Area NY Workshop in Norwich Boces~ I sent an email to the teachers at my school.  I am known as our resident jokester so the teachers are usually braced to laugh.  Here's the email I sent: "I'm sorry to inform you that I will no longer be Mr. Lunchlady!   I am now known as a MARVELOUS MEAL MAN!!! And yes, I do deliver."  (Marevelous Meal Man is directly taken from MGM's presentation) I just wanted to give the teachers a laugh first thing in the morning.  Although I've loved being know as Mr. Lunchlady ,what the kids have called me for the last couple of years, I now proudly embrace Marvelous Meal Man!  

So... back to the story.   As the first classes start to come down the line--Surprise Surprise--the girls brought a gift for me.  They had made me a Red Cape.  They said, "Marvelous MEAL MAN sounds like a Superhero so we think you deserve a Cape.  You are Loved by all!"  

After the pictures were posted, the news spread quickly. Now, if I'm out in our community, parents will come up to me and say, "Aren't you my kids Marvelous Meal MAN.  Thanks for your Service in our cafeteria.  My kid talks about you all the time."   

Pictures:  1)MARVELOUS MEAL MAN --SHOWING OFF HIS CAPE 

2) MARVELOUS MEAL MAN --FLYING BACK TO THE CAFETERIA TO GET READY FOR THE EXTRAORDINARY KIDS.

COLORADO SCHOOL NUTRITION 'HEART CONNECTIONS' 

Jeffco Public Schools~Jeffco County Colorado

While Lori was visiting a Jeffco School Cafeteria, she noticed a Child Nutrition Manager cheerfully greeting the students as they came down the 'Lunch Line'.  Each child happily walked away from the manager knowing that they were going to get a great meal served with a smile. 

Unexpectedly, the manager noticed one little girl that appeared quite downcast.  When the manager asked, "How's your day going?" The child felt comfortable enough to say, "I'm not doing good.  I'm having a bad day.  My mom hit me this morning and I'm very sad."

Not wanting to draw attention to the little girl, the manager lovingly said, "Sweetheart, have a wonderful lunch.  I made it with Love just for you." 

The manager knew she had to do something to help this little girl.  Although she was not the teacher and had only seen the child on the lunch line, the school nutrition manager was keenly aware that this child needed help.  Courageously, she recognized she had to take a risk to report this incident--"When you SEE Something, Say Something." 

After the child had eaten and left the school cafeteria, the manager went to the Principal's office to report the incident.  The principal listened and thanked the manager for being aware and reporting the incident.  The principal did some research and quickly discovered this little girl was being abused by family members.

Due to the Lunch Lady Manager's quick thinking and loving action, the child was placed in a Safe Environment where she began to thrive! 

Lunch Ladies Make Heart Connections That Save Lives! 

TEXAS SCHOOL NUTRITION 'HEART CONNECTIONS' 

Tracy Clements ~ Child Nutrition Manager~ Sulphur Springs ISD  Sulphur Springs, TEXAS 

A School Nutrition Professional ~ Oakwood ISD  Oakwood, Texas

“I couldn't help myself.  I just had to open my heart and my wallet for the children.  You see--The holidays were upon us.   It looked as if several of the children in one class at Oakwood ISD were not going to be able to get a special snack because their parents could not afford it.  Instead of letting the children feel bad, I purchased and donated snacks for the entire class so no one would be left out.  It just made my heart happy to see the look on the kids faces.  It was worth every dime I spent.” 

Lunch Ladies Make Heart Connections That Change Lives! 

Yolanda Spiller ~ School Food Service Director ~ Hearne ISD   Hearne, Texas

"Our Hearne ISD Child Nutrition Professionals are the BEST!  Daily, they amaze me and make my Heart Sing. 

We are a small close-knit community of hard-working folks.  Like many communities around the nation, our community has been hit economically, therefore our children qualify for the Community Eligiblity Program.  This means every child is eligible to receive a FREE Breakfast and Lunch. 

On numerous occassions, many of our children are still hungry or they know they won't get much to eat after school.  Daily, our staff finds ways to feed them and give them extra so they won't feel frightened they will be hungry later.  We say, 'No baby goes away hungry at our Hearne ISD'.  Also, time and time again, our Child Nutrition Professinal Staff has even helped the children by washing and drying their clothes so they are clean and won't be picked on or bullied.  I can't say enough about the kindness of our Lunch Ladies."  

Hearne ISD Lunch Ladies Have BIG BIG BIG HEARTS!

ILLINOIS SCHOOL NUTRITION 'HEART CONNECTIONS' 

Anna Wolk ~ Director of Food Service ~ Johnsburg School District 12 ~ Johnsburg, IL

"Not only do the 'Lunch Ladies' at our school have HEART, our precious students have heart, too! 

One day I was working in the dish room.  A shy, chubby, fourth grader named Keith (the name has been changed) looked in at me.  This young man always seems to do the 'Right Thing'.  Before I knew it--Keith had come into the dish room and was stacking and clearing trays for me.  I said, "Honey, You don't have to do that."  Keith replied, "I just wanted to show the other kids that it's the right thing to do to help the adults who serve us--especially our sweet Lunch Ladies."  When some of the other boys saw Keith being helpful, they started to make fun of Keith--calling him ugly names.  Without warning, another young man named Mitch (name changed) stepped forward and started to help Keith. He whispered, "If we both do the right thing, maybe the other kids will catch on." 

Excitedly, I picked up the phone to call the parents.  I was so taken with the courage, bravery, and actions of these two young men--such wisdom from two 4th Graders--I knew I had to thank the parents of these boys.  At first, the parents thought I was calling about lunch money.   I quickly told them I was calling to tell them what 'Special Parents' they were to have raised such outstanding boys.  Both parents were appreciative that I'd made the effort to let them know.  One parent said, "Usually the school calls when something goes wrong.  It's such a treat to receive a call from our son's favorite Chef with good news.  Thank YOU for being so kind to our son.  I can see why he has chosen YOU as his special School Lunch Chef!"             "Thank You for your kind words," I said, "Please know--I'm here to Serve the Children. And--It's a special joy to Serve Your Son!"

Lunch Ladies Have Heart--The Students at Johnsburg Have Heart, Too!

Debbie Brem ~ Harmony School District 175

Debbie and her team of School Nutrition Professionals have HEART! 

When their 'Latch-Key Kid' Breakfast program began, school staff members repeatedly complained about a few students who were in the 'Latch-Key' program.  They labed these kids as 'trouble-makers' because they were bullying the younger children, not following the morning rules and in general, causing trouble for staff members.  Deb Brem noticed the problem and immediately stepped in with a SOLUTION.  Deb asked the school staff if they would like her to help.  Quickly, they agree to let Deb help. 

Deb went to the so called 'trouble-makers'.   First, she told them she was searching for a few outstanding students to assist her in the cafeteria.   These outstanding students would be of great importance to feeding all the children.  She made them feel special.  She made them feel wanted.  And most importantly, she made them feel useful. 

Readily, all the 'trouble-makers' ageed to help Deb in the cafeteria.  The students were engaged in helping in the kitchen by putting cereal on trays to putting food on pans.  They learned safe-serve techniques, how to wash their hands properly, food preparation and proper use of gloves.  Within a short period of time the students were happy, productive and working together as a team. 

Deb was able to change the perception of how school staff viewed these students.  She changed school staff perception from 'trouble-makers' to cafeteria 'Angel-Helpers'.  From that point forward, none of the school staff ever called the students 'trouble-makers' again. 

Lunch Ladies Have Heart!

Jan Machnikowski ~ School Nutrtion Director ~ Brookwood School District 167 ~ Glenwood, IL

"Many of our students come from economically challeneged households.  Although they are eligible to receive our nutritious school meals for free, many are hungry when they arrrive each day for school.  Our Lunch Ladies ALL have Big Hearts.  They ensure that NO child goes away Hungry ~ even if they pay their own money to provide extra food for that child!  We also make sure that each child receives a FREE SMILE along with their school meal.  We know that we are often the student's surrogate 'Lunch Mom', Coach and Counselor.  We listen and Shower the Children with Love and Care as we Serve them delicious school meals.  Each of our Lunch Ladies, from our Senior 80-year-old to our newest team member, live our motto:  WE CARE ABOUT KIDS!  It just takes one person to Believe in a Child to Change the trajectory of their Life.  Our Loving Lunch Ladies are often that ONE PERSON."

VIRGINIA SCHOOL NUTRITION 'HEART CONNECTIONS'

Juanita Brewington

Richmond Public Schools~Woodville Elementary ~ Richmond, Virginia  School Nutrition Services

  Juanita has a Big Big Heart!

If you are a child in Juanita's school, having a 'bad day', your day gets brighter when Juanita sees you in her lunch line.

Juanita really loves 'her kids'.  She knows that children can often come through her line having a 'bad day' ranging from 'being the new kid' to 'being picked on by another student'. 

"The Little Ones often start to cry because something has gone wrong in their world.  I can still remember crying when I first went to school because I was scared.  I don't want any of 'my kids' to be scared.  I know they just need a little encouragement to help them get through their day.   To make a difference in their lives, I collect quarters all year long so that I'll have the money to buy them a 'little treat' to help them through their day.  When I see a child having a bad day, I come out from behind the lunch line to give them a hug and a 'sweet treat'.  Nowadays, of course, it's a 'healthy sweet treat' of whole grain.  It makes my heart sing to see them change from tears to cheers and smiles." 

Lunch Ladies Make Heart Connections That Save Lives! 

GEORGIA SCHOOL NUTRITION 'HEART CONNECTIONS'

Rita McDonald ~Columbia County Schools~Grovetown, GA  School Nutrition Department

"One morning, I was working the breakfast register when a teacher rushed up to me in a panic.  She blurted out, "Mrs. Rita, Are You Good with Caleb?"  Puzzled, I inquired, "What do you mean, Good with Caleb?"  She said, "I mean, do you talk to Caleb?"  I responded, "I talk to him a little when he comes through the line.  Why do you ask?" 

The teacher threw up her hands and said, "Well, I need your help.  Caleb has thrown his cereal on the floor and is laying down refusing to eat."  I asked, "Is the cereal all over the floor?  Do you want me to bring him something else to eat?" She responded, "No, the cereal is still in the ceral box you sent it in but he refuses to eat.  Can You Help ME?"  "Of course, I'll help you," I said.

I walked over to 5 year-old Caleb.  I sat down next to him and gently put my arm around his shoulder.  Quietly I said, "Honey, your mom paid for you to eat breakfast at school because she wants you to grow up strong and healthy.  She might be sad if you dodn't eat it.  Would you like me to open the cereal box for you?"  Demurely, he shook his head 'YES'.  

Then, I noticed he had chocolate milk.  I asked, "Caleb, do you want to put chocolate milk on your cereal or would you like me to get you white milk?"  He shook his head and said, "I like chocolate milk."

Next,  I said, "Would you like me to make this a 'Special Milk' for you?"  Caleb sat up, cocked his head with a half smile on his face, and said, "YES".  Curiously, Caleb watched as I took the chocolate milk and shook if very very hard.  I told him, "I am making you a 'Milk Shake' for your cereal."  When I opened the milk carton and poured it over his cereal, it was all foamy from shaking it."  Caleb's half smile turned into a Broad, Out-Right, Massive SMILE. 

Finally, I told Caleb, "Today, You are the ONLY Kid in the entire school having a 'Milk Shake' with your cereal.  You can tell your mom how special your day was with a Milk Shake Breakfast.  Will You Eat your breakfast now?" 

Caleb dove into that cereal like it was the last meal he would ever get.  When he was finished, before he left to go back to class, he exclaimed, "That was very GOOD!  I Love You Ms. Rita!" 

As Caleb marched back to class, the teacher was amazed at the transformation.  She said, "I do not know what Magic you used but he ate all his breakfast and is smiling.  Thank YOU!" 

HAVING HEART CONNECTIONS LIKE THIS IS EXACTLY WHY I LOVE MY JOB! 

Jeremy West is a School Nutrition Director for Weld County School District 6, serving the communities of Greeley and Evans Colorado.  Jeremy is a Super STAR who Makes 'Heart Connections' with Students, Staff, Parents, Teachers and Administrators.

Their Nutrition Services Motto is: "Fueling the Future of Our Students." 

Their Nutrition Services Mission is: "To improve the food--the fuel--they offer their students with a comprehensive school meal improvement plan entitled "School Food Renaissance". 

Weld County School Nutrition prepares entrees from scratch using ALL NATURAL INGREDIENTS while eliminating highly-processed foods from their menus.

To improve customer satisfaction they believe Food Tastes Better When Made With LOVE.  The Secret Ingredient to their "School Food Renaissance" is they Make Their Food With LOVE!  They also loving invite Students and Parents to share their thoughts and ideas to continuously improve their School Nutrition Program. 

Below View the Video Jeremy West School Nutrition Services made with LOVE.