FITCHBURG — They are dedicated individuals who wake up early, work with love and make sure every child in the district gets a meal and a warm smile.
Yes, those are the amazing Nutrition Services staff members who are hard-working, kind-hearted, and tough as nails. They remember allergies, serve hundreds of meals in minutes, and still find time to ask, “How’s your day going?”They don’t just feed kids — they nourish hearts and build a sense of community in the cafeteria. Their strength shows in their early mornings, their care in the meals they serve, and their quiet patience during the lunchroom chaos.
They are also the pillars of Fitchburg Public Schools, and many of whom have dedicated a good portion of their lives to simply “feed kids” day in and day out.
The cafeterias in the district have been running smoothly behind the scenes for a very long time, thanks to dedicated staff that have worked in FPS for 20-plus years.
“I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside each of these amazing staff members for almost 20 years, and they truly embody what it means to be dedicated school food service professionals,” said FPS Nutrition Services General Manager, David Semenza. “Their hard work and care don’t just show in the meals they prepare — they’re also deeply appreciated by both students and staff. They’re a huge part of what makes our school community feel welcoming, and I’m so grateful for their ongoing commitment.”
Cindy Brunell is the longest tenured employee with a whopping 50 years of dedicated service. She retired as a cafeteria manager from McKay, but still works regularly as a substitute.
“I love my job,” Brunell said. “Having students recognize you after they graduate is very rewarding. One student told me that I was her favorite lunch lady.”
Renee Howe has worked in FPS for 30 years, including 26 as a manager. She has managed at Fitchburg High for 24 years, and also previously managed at South Street.
Marguerite Gallo and Hallie Bisceglia have been in the district for 29 years. Gallo has been a manager for 15 years at South Street, while Bisceglia is a cook at Crocker Elementary School.
“The students bring me a lot of joy,” said Gallo, whose hobbies include yoga, walking, hiking and reading. “I really enjoy the kindergarten students.”
Beth Gallant has been a cook at South Street for 28 years. Gallant also used to work at the old B.F. Brown.
“I love to see the kids every day and my co-workers,” Gallant said. “I like delivering meals and seeing all the artwork on the walls.”
The helpers have also displayed longevity in the district. Michelle McGrath has been a helper at South Street for 25 years; Roberta Phelan 24 at South Street and Fitchburg High; and Ann Caissie 24 at Memorial, Crocker and Reingold.
McGrath says she really enjoys “watching the kids grow and learn.”
It’s all about the kids, says Phelan.
“When the children talk to me and when outside of school they get excited when seeing me in a store and some run up to me and give me a hug, or they come over and talk to me and tell their parents that I’m their lunch lady at school,” said Phelan on some memorable moments at FPS.
Nicole Allard has accumulated 20 years of service, including the last seven as a manager at McKay. She also was named the city of Fitchburg’s Mary Whitney Community Award winner in 2024.
“My school shows me a lot of appreciation for my efforts,” said Allard, who is also the president of the Eastwood Club in Fitchburg. “In my building, students and staff give us a lot of respect and treat us like the hub of the school.”
Working in a school cafeteria can be demanding, says Phelan.
“We have to manage a large number of students and some staff members. We have to maintain order and ensure everyone gets served on time. We have to provide a healthy meal and help with childhood obesity, and encourage life-long healthy eating habits, while contributing directly to the physical and mental well being of students we serve,” she said. “School cafeteria workers often deal with high-pressure environments, especially during busy lunch hours. Times like when we have fire drills, Alice drills, early release days or any interruptions that get us off schedule. We still have to make sure for the day that dietary regulations and ensuring food safety to still feed the children.”
In 2020, it was an extremely trying time in schools due to the COVID-19 pandemic. When schools closed and children were forced to stay home, it didn’t mean the cafeterias were shut down. Instead, the Nutrition Services team rallied and became a team of strength and a pillar for the community by serving lunches curbside to make sure students and families didn’t go hungry.
“The most challenging experience was during Covid,” Gallo said. “We were here serving meals outside, while parents picked them up. We also delivered meals.”
Make no mistake, positions in Nutrition Services aren’t glamorous to some, but a major perk to working in the cafeteria is flexible hours, especially for parents. Some say they are the perfect hours to raise a family.
“Mothers hours is why I started working in the cafe and my friendships are why I stay,” McGrath said.
Added Gallo: “I started working in the cafeteria because my children came to school here. I wanted to be home for summer vacations and during school vacations.”
Team work certainly makes the dream work in the kitchen:
“It is very important to work as a team,” said Gallant. “We all have good days and bad, easy days and hard ones. I love the team I currently work with.”
“Having a good team to work with makes all the difference,” said McGrath. “I would have another job by now if I didn’t work with such hard-working and pleasant people.”
“We do these jobs every day and we all have the same end goal,” said Allard. “I have an amazing team of co-workers who will do whatever needs to be done on any given day.”
What are the most important qualities for someone to possess to succeed in this role? Some say cleanliness and the ability to multitask, while others say determination and a positive attitude.
“Patience,” said Brunell. “Be the person students look forward to seeing every day.”
This amazing group of lunch ladies keeps the schools running and the students cared for — one day and one tray at a time.
