MPA Values Their Cafeteria Workers

When I was asked to write on the importance of cafeteria workers many things came to mind, the most obvious being that without workers, meals do not get made. Additionally, they have the ability to combine ingredients together to make something tasty. However, I would like to look at something most people do not often think about: how cafeteria workers protect those who eat on campus every day. According to CDC estimates “48 million people get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die from foodborne diseases each year in the United States.” That is a staggering number and most of it comes from mishandling food and not following proper sanitizing protocols.

These diseases are caused by things like not properly washing hands, not cooking dishes to the proper temperature, cross-contamination, and the list goes on. The cafeteria workers at MPA work hard every day to make sure that they are following proper handwashing protocols, that the work areas are clean and properly sanitized, and that fresh ingredients are properly cleaned to remove dangerous bacteria and kept at the right temperature. They make sure that the dishes that are prepared are cooked to the proper temperature to eliminate any bacteria growth in the food that could be harmful. They make sure that the food is held at the proper temperature to keep it safe while serving. When you sit at a clean table, it was a cafeteria worker who washed and sanitized that table to keep you safe. So, the next time you come in to eat at the cafeteria remember that the cafeteria workers are not just feeding you; they are also protecting you.

- Phillip Thomas, Cafeteria Director

For more stories about Mount Pisgah Academy, check out our Skyliner Newsletter published on our website at www.pisgah.us/skyliner