Love, care, and a side of fries; celebrating the unsung “School Lunch Heroes” in Wylie East

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – School Lunch Hero Day celebrates the unsung heroes who work tirelessly to keep America’s students well fed and ready to learn. It honors the nation’s cafeteria workers, like those at Wylie East Elementary. A team of seven that prepares and serves two meals a day for around 500 students, quite the task, but workers like Judy McBride say they wouldn’t have it any other way.

“We serve around 500 kids every single day. So there’s not a dull moment. It’s like a well-oiled machine. We all work together, and there’s good people here,” said McBride.

When they lace up their aprons, the Wylie East Cafeteria staff works hard in the kitchen. Once breakfast is complete, prep work begins on the lunch menu, which always contains a nutritious balance of proteins, fruit, vegetables, and, of course, a dessert. But for McBride, the job doesn’t end with what they put on the tray.

“I like to interact with them. I like to know if they have a new pet or if they’re gonna have a brother or sister. We want to include them, y’know? Give them the respect that they deserve, too,” McBride said.

And that respect goes both ways. KTAB/KRBC spoke with Wylie East 2nd grader Carter Hess, who says she loves to hear that lunch bell ring, not only because she gets a break from class and some time to chat with friends, but also because the cafeteria staff makes lunchtime a joy from start to finish.

“They’re really nice and I think they work really hard on our food,” Said Hess.

Whether in the back cleaning trays, mopping up the floors, or getting the next round of chicken bites perfectly crispy for the incoming classes, each team member keeps their well-oiled machine running strong. McBride has been at it for 14 years, during which she says she’s learned how important it is to make the most of her time with each class.

“Now it’s bittersweet. School’s about to end. But pretty soon, I’ll get new kindergarteners, and we’ll do it all over again. I love my job, and I love my school, and I love my kids. And, of course, it’s great to be a Wylie Bulldog,” McBride said.

May 2 is School Lunch Hero Day, established by the School Nutrition Association. So take some extra time to give thanks to the hard-working cafeteria staff at your school for the difference they make in your students’ lives every single day.