Upon return from Spring Break, rumors circulated about the reasons for the black tarps and serving lines throughout the seating area of the cafeteria. Despite rumors of the cafeteria shutting down because of food complaints, Cafeteria Manager Pamela Sims explains the cafeteria is undergoing renovations.
“I know some students are speculating that something bad happened to our cafeteria. However, right now we are just getting a full renovation,” Ms. Sims said. “We have new serving lines, new equipment, new ovens; they are redoing our wall and floor tiles which is why you see all the black tarps.”
After years without renovations, Sims believes change is necessary for Legacy’s cafeteria. She estimates the renovations will be over by the end of summer.
“Sometimes things get old, and you have to make sure they work correctly, so we are just upgrading the cafeteria,” Sims said. “We are starting renovations at this time of the school year because of the extensive renovations we are making. These renovations should be done by the end of summer, definitely be finished by the time school starts back next year in August. It would not be finished if we started during the summer time, and we wanted to make sure our students came back to a brand new kitchen, so they won’t have to stand out here in serving lines like they are now.”
Ms. Rita Denton, Executive Director of Student Nutrition, says the new food items are becoming popular amongst students.
“Some of the items offered on the menu are exclusive to Legacy during the renovation period. For example, the hard boiled eggs have been a popular addition to many students’ cereal trays,” Denton said. “The crispy hash browns have also been a hit. The salad bar will continue to have variety and Legacy is the only high school in the district to have a customizable salad bar for this period of time.”
In her 16th year of food service and her first year at Legacy, Ms. Sims believes cafeteria workers have a negative stigma when it comes to their work. However, she understands the renovations are a big change for everyone.
“When it comes to the cafeteria skits you see on TV, you always see workers serving gross food or ‘mystery meat’, but at Mansfield ISD, we serve fresh food, and we are very proud of that. We are very cautious of the vendors we use and the food we serve to our kids,” Sims said. “Just because we are under renovation, it does not mean that the quality of our food has changed. This is a change for us, but anytime you work in an industry like this, you have to be willing to accept changes and roll with it, because we want to make sure students have the service that they deserve.”
Ms. Sims’ career in MISD started at Legacy. She loves her team, the students, and the overall mission of the Food Services department.
“My favorite part of being a Cafeteria Manager is the people I work with and the students I come in contact with. We love our students and we work really hard to provide healthy meals for our kids. It’s amazing to see the kids grow, and as cafeteria workers providing them the food they need for growth, we have a part in that, just to watch them grow up and walk across the stage is amazing,” Sims said. “Our goal stays the same. Our department strives to create healthy meals for our kids because if you are hungry, you can’t study or focus. We want to teach our kids that they can eat healthy and still enjoy the food and love it.”
