Safe Lunchroom Practices That Keep Our Kids Healthy at School

This year we have seen a drastic increase in distance learning and homeschooling throughout the country. COVID-19 changed how we educated everyone and even though we still have a way to go to overcome some of the current challenges, many school systems are opening their doors to in person learning once again. In response lunchrooms in every school system are upping their sanitizing protocols and how they provide healthy lunches to their students. Here are some of the practices being implemented this coming school year.

Throw Away Trays and Cutlery

Washing cutlery and food trays has been a way of life for school lunchrooms for many, many years. Reusable trays and cutlery drastically cut down on overall food costs, but ensuring these items are properly sanitized between each use can be a true challenge. Therefore, this year, and possibly for many years to come, throw away containers and cutlery will be implemented. Although it might mean more work for the janitorial services in our schools, we no longer have to worry about an ineffective dishwasher leaving behind residue on food trays and cutlery.

Gloved Hands and Hairnets

The site of a hairnet on a lunchroom worker has been common for generations. Tight hairnets and beard guards are designed to catch stray hairs that would, otherwise end up in someone’s food and have been a part of the lunchroom uniform for many, many years. Now, sanitizing has gone even further requiring lunchroom workers to not only wash their hands but use only a gloved hand when preparing food. Disposable gloves are generally latex free for lunchroom use, so there is less change of a negative reaction to those who may be sensitive to latex.

Children Eating in Classrooms

Some school systems lack available space for a full lunchroom and therefore have always served lunches in classrooms, but even those with available lunchroom facilities in schools this coming school year will be implementing in room meal services. Certain, smaller schools might employ food carts taken to each individual classrooms, but generally, students will line up, move through the lunch line as normal, and return to their classroom to eat their lunch. This tactic prevents too many people from being within the lunchroom at the same time and keeps the same kids together throughout the year in hopes to contain any potential sickness outbreaks.

Gentle Processing™

The problem of spreading viruses at school is not always linked to lunchroom practices, but it never hurts to be a little overly cautious when it comes to how students food is handled. Although there are many avenues for proper sanitation to employ, Gentle Processing™ is one that should be maintained in all schools. With Gentle Processing™ food can be passed through our specialized system at the time of delivery to ensure the food and serving tray are properly sanitized and safe for consumption. No chemicals are used with Gentle Processing™. Instead, a specialized energy is concentrated on the food to eliminate any possible bacteria. Is your child’s school truly doing everything to keep kids safe?