resources. That includes functioning equipment, clear procedures, realistic expectations, and training that builds confidence instead of stress. When staff are forced to constantly make do or figure things out on their own, frustration and burnout quickly follow. Support also means communication, and this is where knowledge becomes power. I always wanted my team to understand the why behind the decisions I was making. When people are given the full picture, they are better equipped to adapt, support change, and take ownership of their work. Even difficult decisions feel less frustrating when teams understand the reasoning behind them. When staff are included in conversations and informed about what is happening and why, trust grows. Buy-in increases. People are far more likely to stand behind decisions when they understand how those decisions impact students, operations, and the bigger picture of the program. Time is another critical resource that is often overlooked. Rushed training, unrealistic schedules, and constant pressure send a
message that people are replaceable. Taking time to train properly, explain expectations clearly, and check in with staff sends a very different message. It tells teams they matter. Support is not about making things easier. It is about making things possible. This level of support does not happen by accident. It requires leaders who are willing to advocate for their teams, adjust when something is not working, and recognize when additional help is needed. It means choosing people over convenience and long- term success over short-term fixes. Leadership Lives in the Cafeteria Leadership does not stop at the central office. Cafeteria management teams play a critical role not only within individual schools, but within the program as a whole. Inside each cafeteria, managers and assistant managers set the tone for the day. The way staff are trained, spoken to, corrected, and encouraged shapes the culture of the kitchen. That culture is felt during the busiest lunch periods and in moments of stress.
“Impactful teams are not an accident. They are a leadership choice.”
Supported teams communicate better, adjust faster, and care more deeply about their work. Kitchens run more smoothly, and when problems arise, teams are more likely to work together rather than place blame. Effective managers step in when staff are overwhelmed. They teach rather than criticize. They explain expectations, lead with patience, and recognize effort as well as results. They focus on building people, not just filling schedules. When employees feel respected and valued, they give their best because they want to, not because they are forced to. That kind of effort cannot be mandated. It must be earned. Stronger Teams Build Healthier Futures School nutrition is people work. It is the combined effort of frontline staff, managers, supervisors,
and directors working toward a shared goal. When leadership shows up, when teams are knowledge, and when people are valued first, programs become stronger. High-functioning teams do not happen by accident. They are built through presence, communication, trust, and intentional support. When teams are supported, cafeterias supported with resources and run more smoothly, challenges are more manageable, and staff feel confident in their roles and connected to the mission. At the heart of every successful program is a simple truth. When we take care of the people serving our students, we are taking care of the students themselves. Every day presents a chance to shape our teams through the choices we make as leaders and coworkers. The culture we create matters.
12 | Healthy Harvest Spring 2026
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