Food service workers make kids priority

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jaeda Tookes
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Month of the Military Child is celebrated every year in April, but oftentimes we fail to realize what food service workers provide behind the scenes for children.

“We play an important role in the lives of the kids at the Child Development Center and the Youth Center,” said Yasmine Redmond, 341st Force Support Squadron food service worker.

Judith Suden, 341st FSS kitchen supervisor, and her team of four serve breakfast, lunch and a snack throughout different times of the year to the kids at the CDC, and the Youth Center.

“Before every meal we clean the dishes and drop them off to each class,” Suden said. “Then we go back around and drop the food off.”

The food that is served is checked by the United States Department of Agriculture, Child and Adult Care Food Program and Air Force guidelines, and the facility is checked by Public Health once a month for cleanliness.

Along with cleanliness, the food menu is sent to a dietician.

“I create a five-week menu that incorporates fruits and vegetables,” Suden said. “After the menu is created, I send it to the dietician on base to get approved.”

According to Denise Dinkins, 341st FSS food service worker, they try to cater to what the children like, whether it’s offering their favorite snack or giving them a treat when they have been good.

It takes a lot to learn the program, according to Redmond, from catering meals to accommodating those with allergies, to learning what the children like.

“I love my job and enjoy working with the other ladies,” Redmond said. “I am retired Air Force, so I enjoy the routine that comes with this job, because at the end of the day, the kids are our priority.”