For the average high school student, lunchtime is the highlight of any day. Those 30 minutes are a food-filled reprieve from the class discussions of rhetoric or the graphing of sine waves. Still, many fail to recognize who is behind the scenes, making french toast sticks or prepping for Pizza Friday. Who are these hidden heroes whom you walk past everyday in the lunch line? The cafeteria workers.
For National Food Service Employee Day, students in Rich Francis’ Food Culture and Tourism class wanted to recognize the hard work of those in the Gloucester’s food service department. This past week, the class made cards for those working in the GHS cafeteria to show their appreciation.
“We figured it was a nice thing to do for food service workers,” said Francis. “We’re not sure they always get appreciation from people.”
After making the cards, students left them in the kitchen for the crew to see on Thursday morning.
“We really appreciate our food service workers and we value their service,” senior Ava Paone said.
The posters are now hanging up in the kitchen for them and everyone who walks through the lunch line to see.
Sue Lodge, who has been working in the food industry since 2001, and been employed in the GHS cafeteria for two and a half years, was one of the employees who received a card on Thursday.
“It was really nice to come in today and feel appreciated,” Lodge said. “The kids are respectful and have good manners.”
Although the lunch period is quick to end, showing appreciation for the cafeteria staff can be even quicker. Next time you find yourself waiting in line for a gooey grilled cheese, remember to thank the people who made it.
