Get Your Cafeteria Cooking! A Back-to-School Prep Guide

Summer is in full swing, but the school bells will be ringing again before we know it. Don’t leave the back-to-school shopping and preparation to just the students and teachers—school cafeterias and dining halls need to get ready too! Now is the time for foodservice teams to start planning and prepping for the year ahead. Throughout this blog, we’ve outlined the steps you need to get your cafeteria (and staff) back to school ready.

Menu Planning + Nutrition

Before the new school year starts, it’s important to review last year’s cafeteria menu and update it as needed. It's essential to incorporate nutritious options that cater to diverse dietary needs and preferences. Start by assessing the previous year's menu to identify popular items and those that didn't quite hit the mark. Engage with students and parents through surveys or suggestion boxes at a back-to-school night to gather feedback and ideas for new offerings. Remember, a balanced menu with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins will help students stay energized and focused throughout the day.

Consider adding grab-and-go meals and snacks to your menu offering too. Grab-and-go options can be prepared in advance—simplifying your operations and reducing wait times. This efficiency not only enhances student satisfaction but also optimizes your staff’s productivity, allowing them to focus on other high-priority tasks during the busy lunch rush. Grab-and-go breakfast options or after-school snacks can also boost your cafeteria’s sales, offering busy students—who may have otherwise skipped a meal—the opportunity to eat on the go.

Inventory Management

Next, take a thorough inventory of your current supplies and equipment. This includes everything from food items and utensils to cooking appliances and cleaning supplies. Make a list of what needs to be replenished, replaced, or repaired. For inventory management—the earlier you do it, the better. Ensuring your school cafeteria kitchen is fully stocked and operational when school starts will help you avoid last-minute shortages and emergencies later. 

Don’t forget to turn on and test your cooking equipment, refrigerators, ovens, food warmers, and ice machines! Lead times for delivery and installation of kitchen equipment can be lengthy, so it’s important that you place orders for equipment or replacement parts as soon as possible. If you’re in the market for new equipment, check out our complete resource guide for commercial kitchens. 

Staff Training + Development

Your foodservice staff is the backbone of your operation, so it's crucial to invest in their training and development. Organize workshops and training sessions to update your team on the latest food safety regulations, cooking techniques, safe food handling, and customer service best practices.

Encourage collaboration and team-building activities to foster a positive work environment. Well-trained and motivated staff will not only enhance the efficiency of your cafeteria but also create a welcoming atmosphere for students.

Cleanliness + Safety

Maintaining a clean and safe environment is paramount in any foodservice setting, especially in schools. Conduct a deep cleaning of the entire cafeteria, including kitchen prep areas, cooking equipment, dining spaces, and storage rooms. Review your food safety protocols and ensure all staff members are aware of proper hygiene practices. Regularly scheduled cleanings and safety checks throughout the school year will help prevent foodborne illnesses and create a healthy dining experience for students.

Need a little extra help? Our experts can do a total facility assessment of your school cafeteria and recommend personalized solutions to help keep your kitchen clean and safe! Click here to book your free consultation.

Community Engagement

Engaging with the school community can greatly enhance the success of your cafeteria. Host events such as taste tests, cooking demonstrations, or nutrition workshops to involve students, parents, and teachers. Partner with local farms or suppliers to source fresh, locally grown produce and promote sustainability.

Building strong relationships within the community will not only boost participation in your meal programs but also foster a sense of pride and ownership among students.

Getting your cafeteria ready for the back-to-school season requires careful planning, teamwork, and a proactive approach. By focusing on menu planning, inventory management, staff training, and cleanliness, you can create a thriving foodservice operation that supports the health and well-being of students.

Remember, a well-prepared cafeteria sets the stage for a successful school year—providing students with the nourishment they need to learn and grow. Let’s work together to make this the best school year yet. Contact us today to get started. ⬇️