Say It Like It Matters

In school nutrition programs, every second counts and every task matters. If you've watched The Bear, you'll recognize that phrase as a reminder that all employees must have a sense of urgency for the team to succeed in the kitchen. Clear communication isn’t just about being polite—it’s about keeping operations running smoothy, meals safe, and staff confident. When directions are vague or misunderstood, it leads to delays, frustration, or even food safety risks. That’s why strong, structured communication is one of the most powerful tools a school nutrition team can use. Whether you're a manager assigning duties or an employee asking for guidance, knowing how to “say it” clearly can make all the difference.

Managers Assigning Tasks

When managers delegate, the message should feel like a requirement—not an optional favor. Use clear, direct language:

• Who: Identify the person (“Jenny…”)

• What: Specify the task (“…prep 100 fruit cups. Use a 4 oz. spoodle to portion into 5 oz. souffle cups.”

• Where: Point to the station (“…at the prep table…”)

• When: Give a deadline (“…by 10 AM.”)

Pair this with the why: “We want fruit cups prepped by that time to keep the serving line moving smoothly.” Context transforms "portion fruit cups by 10 AM" into “portion fruit cups by 10 AM so that kids don't wait in long lines.”

Managers must assign tasks using Who, What, When, Where and Why.

Employees Asking for Help

No one should guess what to do. Staff should feel comfortable asking questions like:

• “Can you show me how many ounces go in each fruit cup?”

• “Where exactly should I set those trays beside the steam table?”

• “Will you check my timing on the milk cooler restock?”

By specifying who, what, where, and when, they get the answers they need—and demonstrate engagement. Always add a “why” to show you're aligned with the goal: “I want to make sure I get this right so we stay on schedule.”

Employees must feel confident in their ability to ask questions and not guess what to do.

Follow Up and Feedback

Even with clear instructions, checking in is critical. Managers can:

• Walk over mid-task: “How’s the fruit prep going?”

• Praise well-executed work: “Great job getting those out on time.”

• Provide gentle coaching: “Next time, let’s do x for even smoother flow.”

This loop—assign, check, feedback—boosts performance, builds trust, and nurtures a learning culture. Employees know their work matters and is appreciated.

Final Thoughts

In the fast-paced world of school nutrition, communication needs to be more than quick—it needs to be clear, consistent, and purposeful. Managers set the tone by giving complete instructions and explaining the why behind each task. Employees contribute by asking the right questions and seeking clarity before problems arise. And through regular follow-up and feedback, teams build a culture of accountability, learning, and mutual respect. When everyone knows what to do, why it matters, and how to ask for help, the result is not just a smoother operation—it’s a stronger team serving better meals to students every day.