Meet the lunch bunch at MBE

Mountain Brook Elementary cafeteria is a busy place where four ladies work to make school lunches delicious and nutritious. 

Cindy Gilland, MBE cafeteria manager, oversees the operation where she and her staff begin their day early preparing to serve lunch from 10:25 a.m. to 1:05 p.m. daily. Additionally, kindergarten students are served a healthy snack at 1:15 p.m. in the cafeteria. Approximately 300 to 350 children come through their lunch line daily either to purchase a full lunch or individual items.

Mountain Brook City Schools Director of Child Nutrition Pam Stembridge creates the monthly lunch menus for the district. Each school is at liberty to prepare the food for the maximum flavor and appearance. According to Gilland, students’ favorites include Wednesday “Chicken Day,” Cheeseburgers and Fries and Tacos/Taco Salad. She added that it is very encouraging when students rave about the lunches. Salads and sandwiches are available for those who may not like the hot lunch on a particular day. In lower grades, teachers help students make healthy choices.

Food prepared in the cafeteria comes from Wood Fruitticher, and produce is from Franks Produce. The majority of the produce is grown locally when in season, and Barbers is the supplier of the milk products. School lunches are $3 for students, $3.50 for staff and $4.50 for visitors. Parents can visit their child for lunch and will undoubtedly be welcomed by the MBE Lunch Bunch.