Food Service Employee Retention

About the Program

Category: Personnel Management, Employment and Training (Best in Category)

Year: 2023

When reflecting back on COVID, we believed that the worst was behind us. However, Chesterfield County Public Schools Food and Nutrition Services (CCPS F&N) operations continue to experience critical labor shortages, supply chain issues, unexpected distributor food substitutions, and inflationary costs. During the pandemic, the Chesterfield community recognized the significant contributions made by our food service employees. There wasn’t an opportunity in place for CCPS F&N to recognize employees in a formal manner. We wanted to be able to highlight the individual’s contribution to the department's success. Our cafeteria teams were highlighted during national campaigns; National School Breakfast Week, National School Lunch Week and School Lunch Hero Day. However, Director Berkley Dunbrack felt that the individual employee recognition piece was missing and essential. So, our innovative commendation “Outstanding Food Service Employee” was initiated in 2021. Chesterfield County Public Schools, an award-winning school district, is the largest school system in central Virginia, the fifth largest in Virginia and among the 70 largest school divisions in the country. CCPS F&N is a self-preparation sponsor with over 400 employees. We participate in the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs, providing nutritious meals to students as part of their educational day.