Jul 29th 2024
School Cafeteria Reopening Checklist
As the new school year approaches, planning ahead can ensure a smooth start. Use this comprehensive checklist to prepare your school cafeteria for the fall. Remember, a little preparation now can make a big difference later and Culitrade has got you covered to make this school year a success.
Ensure your trays are in good condition and that you have enough to serve your students. Melamine trays are a great choice for school cafeterias as they are extremely durable.
- Cafeteria Trays
- Market and Bakery Trays
- Cafeteria Tray Racks
Your dinnerware should be heavy-duty, so melamine wins again! Check to ensure you have enough dinnerware to keep up with demand.
- Melamine Plates
- Plastic Cups
- Flatware
- Food Baskets
- Pitchers
In a school cafeteria, disposables are crucial. Check your inventory and be sure to stock up on the items you're frequently running through, like straws and napkins.
- Napkins
- Plates
- Bowls
- Straws
- Plastic Cutlery
- Sandwich Paper
- To-Go Containers and Bags
Food waste is killer in any commercial kitchen, but it is particularly problematic in school cafeterias as budgets are typically tight. Ensure your food items are being stored properly to extend their life while also keeping your items safe from bacteria and other contaminants resulting in foodborne illnesses.
- Ingredient Bins
- Condiment Dispensers
- Storage Containers
- Food Pans
- Shelving
If you want to increase efficiency, examine your food prep processes. Ensuring your team has the proper tools, storage, and space to prep food items can save both time and money.
- Cutting Boards
- Vegetable Slicers
- Blenders/Food Processors
- Mixing Bowls
- Chef's Knives
- Meat Slicers
Set your team up for success by providing them with enough servingware. Check to ensure your tongs, ladles, and other items are in good shape and that you have enough to keep things running smoothly each day.
- Tongs
- Ladles
- Spatulas
- Dishers
- Turners
Summer break is a great time to service and clean the equipment in your school cafeteria. Take advantage of summer downtime to ensure everything is in proper working order for the new school year.
- Combi Ovens
- Ice Machines
- Dishwashers
- Milk Coolers
- Refrigerated Merchandisers
- Commercial Mixers
- Commercial Microwaves
- Undercounter Refrigerators
- Steam Kettles
- Sneeze Guards
- Convection Ovens
If you have a salad bar, it's important to ensure all of your related items are in good condition and working properly.
- Salad Bars
- Food Wells
- Food Pans
- Salad Bar Utensils
Look through your kitchen tools and ensure your team has the tools they need to cook your menu items correctly. If you don't already, be sure to organize your supplies in a way that makes sense and allows your team to quickly grab what they need when they need it. Consider having multiple tools in different areas to prevent chaos in the kitchen.
- Thermometers
- Peelers
- Measuring Cups
- Funnels
- Pots & Pans
Keeping your school cafeteria clean is no easy feat, given the foot traffic constantly rotating through your doors! Ensure your team has the cleaning supplies they need to stay on top of messes and keep your dining area and kitchen in tip-top shape.
- Trash Cans
- Recycling Bins
- Mops and Brooms
- Buckets
- Cleaning Solutions
- Cloths and Towels
- Trash Bags
Letting students know where lines form, what's on the menu, and what areas to avoid due to slippery floors will help to direct the flow of traffic and help lines move faster while also reducing the risk of accidents.
- Stanchions & Ropes
- Safety Signs
- Chalkboard Signs
- Write-on Boards
- Acrylic Partitions
There you have it, a rundown of all the items you should be checking before you re-open your school cafeteria to students in the fall.