How making lunch has changed for school cafeterias during pandemic
LAWRENCE, Ind. (WISH) — A lot has changed in the kitchen at your child’s school during the coronavirus pandemic.
From what goes onto your child’s lunch tray, right down to where they sit in the cafeteria
Keeping the children fed at Sunnyside Elementary is a labor of love for Anastacia Thomas. She has managed the kitchen for the last five years.
“I really do love making lunch fun for the kids,” Thomas said.
Those kids notice the changes even before they get their food. In line, dots on the floor ensure social distancing. At the food counter, a sign reads “if you touch an item, you take it.” Everything is already packaged or wrapped.
“Our paper goods have gone up considerably because of finding things that can cup and lid. Supply and demand just like the grocery store, everything changes. Now, every school district is looking for that pre-packaged item,” Stephanie Tragesser, director of Food and Nutrition Services for Lawrence Township Schools, said Tuesday.
That means some lunch menu changes because of the coronavirus pandemic. For now, foods like homemade chili or chicken noodles aren’t on the menu.
Normally, Tuesday’s lunch of macaroni and cheese would be scooped into an open bowl and served while the student grabs a roll.
“Now, we’re cupping it in the back, putting a lid on it, to make sure students aren’t touching. We’re trying to keep everything safe from any possible germs as the kids go through the line,” Tragesser said.
In the cafeteria, students sit in assigned seats. If they need utensils, they raise their hand and someone brings it to them. Even students lunch trays are picked up by cafeteria monitors. It’s all so students do not have to get up.
News 8 asked Principal Tierney Anderson if the students get it. Are they paying attention to the new rules?
“They definitely are listening and paying attention,” Anderson said. “They have adapted seamlessly. They are troopers, and they are resillient.”
Back in the kitchen, you can feel that resiliency. Feeding the children even during a pandemic is where Thomas wants to be.
A federal waiver extension from the USDA means the meals served up by Thomas and her staff are free to all kids through the end of the year.