Lunch Ladies:
A Key Ingredient in Students’ Success
by Hannah Denys
I
a
f you went to public school, you doubtless have
vivid memories of pizza day. Who doesn’t remember
standing toe to heel with dozens of other children,
waiting in the cafeteria line for that cheesy delicacy?
But what about the people who served you that
lunch? Do you remember them?
Lunchroom staff are a key ingredient in students’ success, yet
they are frequently overlooked. Hidden away in the cafeteria’s
kitchens or behind the serving counters, they don’t often interact
with students. Nonetheless, they’re busy behind the scenes
making sure kids have the fuel they need to focus on their studies.
Sabohat, lunch lady at Kindergarten #5, took a break between
preparing breakfast and lunch. Photo by Courtney Gerard
18 | JOURNEY OF HOPE
CENTRAL ASIA INSTITUTE