Every staff member is recognized and appreciated for their hardwork, kindness and dedication but there is always one staff member we forget to value. Every day before the first bell rings, the cafeteria is already at work. Pots and trays are lined up, and food gets prepared for 1800 students. At the center of it all is Sarah Sutton, the cafeteria manager who has led the team since 2018.

Over the years, Sutton has seen a lot of changes: fewer students, fewer staff members, and a heavier workload. This change came after the pandemic which decreased everything.  

“Since I’ve been here, there are less people and less students, so we have to redistribute the workload because there are fewer people to do the job,” manager Sutton said. “We’re also cross-trained, so we rotate each time.” Manager Sutton said. 

Running a school cafeteria is no easy task, and Sutton knows how much coordination it takes to make sure things runs smooth. 

“I don’t think most people realize the workload that goes behind feeding 1,800 people every day and making sure everything is right,” Manager Sutton said.

The most difficult part, Sutton admits, is keeping students satisfied. Students are the first to complain about the food without giving it a second thought about how much work is put into lunches that feed them everyday.

“The hardest part is making a menu that students are happy with, and food that caters to everyone or appeals to everyone,” manager Sutton said.

Despite the challenges, Sutton finds joy in what she does regardless of the difficulties her job comes with.  

“My favorite part is working with my team, leading them, and seeing the students every single day,” Manger Sutton said. 

It’s clear that her care for both her coworkers and the students is at the heart of her work. She also explains her gratitude towards her team and without their cooperation lunch is not the same.

The job also involves careful organization and attention to student needs. The amount of dedication that goes into being a lunch staff is overlooked. What Sutton and her team does is extraordinary as they choose each menu item with such care and thoughtfulness.

“We have to have a doctor’s note that comes from the nurse to see what a student can eat,” manager Sutton said. “We plan our menus a year in advance. We send out surveys and look at popular food items, then add new things to see if students like them.” Manager Sutton said.

Still, Sutton wishes there was a little more flexibility as there are many restaurants when it comes to creative control in the menu. 

“I would love to not be held by such strict government restrictions because it would give us more freedom with the menu,” manager Sutton said.

Sutton’s advice for anyone looking into the food service is to “Be prepared for a very fast-paced environment with strict timing,” manager Sutton said.

Behind every meal served in the cafeteria is a team that works hard to make sure students have nutritious food and a positive experience. Sarah Sutton and her staff do much more than serve lunch; they serve care, effort and community every single day.

It’s easy to overlook the people behind the counter, but a little kindness can go a long way. The next time you walk through the lunch line, take a second to say thank you. A smile or a simple thanks shows respect and appreciation for the hard work that often goes unseen.