Introduction: Step into the Mills River Elementary School cafeteria, where Ms. Staci, Ms. Chantel, Ms. Rita, and Ms. Kristine, work tirelessly to ensure every student has a great experience with food. From breakfast to lunchtime, Henderson County Public Schools is proud to showcase the dedication, care, and extra-mile that all of our child nutrition teams devote to our students. For the 2023-24 school year we are operating under the Community Eligibility Provision of the National School Lunch and Breakfast programs, ensuring that all students can enjoy breakfast and lunch meals at no cost.
Breakfast in the Classroom: While it is still dark outside, Ms. Staci and her team prepare breakfast for hundreds of students before they arrive at school. Students select their breakfast choice the day before and it is waiting for them in their classroom. The innovative “Breakfast in the Classroom” program is in all 13 HCPS’ elementary schools and allows students to enjoy their breakfast without interrupting their daily routine. It’s a proven success, as data reveals that more students opt for breakfast when it’s served in the classroom environment rather than in the cafeteria. On this particular day, the options included warm pancake bites or cereal and graham crackers, accompanied by a choice of mixed fruit or juice, and milk. Each classroom is equipped with an organized box filled with the appropriate breakfast items, which is then transported throughout the school to feed hundreds of hungry students at the start of the school day.
Morning Rush: Before 8:00 a.m. it is time to prepare for the next meal – lunch! On Wednesday, the menu consisted of chicken nuggets, garlic breadsticks, grilled cheese, creamy mashed potatoes, baked beans, BBQ sauce, ketchup, and a choice of peaches or mixed fruit. The task of crafting the perfect grilled cheese fell to the capable hands of Ms. Kristine, who generously layered American cheese to make it extra cheesy. Meanwhile, Ms. Staci made the pans of creamy mashed potatoes, Ms. Chantel prepped the fruit and added brown sugar and seasonings to the baked beans, while Ms. Rita got the lunch line in order.
Getting ahead: After lunch is prepped, it is time to get ready for the next day’s breakfast. Ms. Staci prints a spreadsheet for each classroom in the building, containing the names of every student and their chosen breakfast selection. This allows for efficient labeling of the breakfast boxes. Thursday’s breakfast menu is a sausage biscuit, cereal, banana, graham crackers, and milk. According to the Mills River child nutrition team, the top choices for breakfast are the egg and cheese biscuit, sausage biscuit, breakfast pizza, and Super Donut.
More than Meals: Beyond just providing meals, the team offers additional options for third-fifth grade students to purchase. These choices include freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, ice cream, chips, and sparkling juice.
Lunchtime Hustle: Right at 11 a.m. the first class enters the cafeteria and students keep coming until 1:30 p.m. They stop serving lunch just before 2 p.m. If there is a break in the line, the team ensures dishes are washed, food is replenished, but they never stop moving. Ms. Chantel says that the most popular lunches are “Wacky Wednesday” (breakfast for lunch), chicken nuggets, tangerine chicken, and, of course, pizza. Students also enjoy caesar salad, veggie dippers, and french fries for side options. Surprisingly, even the pickiest eaters have grown to love edamame and sweet potatoes after trying them in the cafeteria. Once every child is served, the job doesn’t stop there. It’s time to clean up, complete paperwork and prepare for the next school day.
Going the Extra Mile: Beyond serving meals, the child nutrition team’s compassion and dedication shine through in their interactions with students. You may even notice Ms. Rita, meticulously searching for cherries in the mixed fruit for a particular student who requested them or Ms. Staci joyfully making extra pancakes for those who saw their friends eat them. These small gestures of kindness make a world of difference in the lives of students.
Food for Thought: The 22 HCPS’ cafeterias are more than just a place to grab a meal. It’s a space where the child nutrition team creates a nurturing environment that encourages not only healthy bodies, but also healthy hearts. From the early mornings of breakfast to lunchtime, their unwavering commitment and smiles bring joy to every student they serve. So, next time you step into the cafeteria, take a moment to appreciate the incredible efforts and heartfelt care that go into making each meal an extraordinary experience. It truly takes a village to run a school and we are truly fortunate to have the very best in the HCPS family.
What’s on the menu next week? Check out the menu at your school now.
