Every day, students pass through the cafeteria line, ready for lunch and a smile. Behind those trays of food and smiles are the hardworking women who make it all happen, the Fair Grove elementary lunch staff.
Jean Dick, a new addition to the lunch staff this school year, explained that since joining, she has felt very welcomed by the other lunch ladies working with her. Dick expressed that finds the small details the most rewarding, such as students taking the time to say thank you when they receive their food trays.
Dick enjoys cooking beef patty sandwiches and cashew chicken. When she’s not at work, she likes to go traveling, fishing, hiking, and spending time with her grandchildren.
Mary Jarvis, another member of the lunch staff, has been serving food at Fair Grove for nearly 25 years, previously she worked at Heritage Cafeteria during her teenage years.
Jarvis loves interacting with students and staff, and especially enjoys baking cinnamon rolls and dinner rolls. Jarvis said her time at Fair Grove has, “always been a good time,” which is why she has continues to be a part of the lunch staff for Fair Grove.
Helen McDowell has been part of the Fair Grove kitchen for almost ten years. She explained that her favorite part of the day is “seeing the kids.” McDowell said her favorite meal to cook is beef stew, and in addition she noted that hamburgers are always a hit.
Patricia Bunch has worked in the cafeteria for four years. Her favorite part about her job is, “seeing and talking to the kiddos, making their food, and serving them.” She especially likes making biscuits and gravy for the students’ breakfast, and hot dogs with fries for lunch.
Bunch said, “I really enjoy working with the ladies in the kitchen,” she continued to say, “… and I love seeing my grandson and getting hugs every day.”
Sarah Sudgeon, another new addition to the lunch staff this year, has quickly settled in at Fair Grove’s Schools Lunch Staff. Sudgeon expressed, “I love the cooking, the camaraderie, and the sense of accomplishment and productivity this job gives you every day.”
Sudgeon added that she is drawn to the smell of fresh fruit, the comforting heat from the ovens, and the feeling of, “being so easily and quickly welcomed into our awesome kitchen family.”
The lunch ladies truly enjoy their time here at Fair Grove and take pride in making meals for students. Making breakfast and lunch is not just a meal but also a time to share smiles and laughs with each other.
