School caterers suffering during restrictions

MORE than 80 per cent of people who work for school caterers are single parents, and most of them are now unemployed because of the covid19 restrictions. This was the view of caterers from the National Schools Dietary Services Ltd (NSDSL).

Caterers and their staff are hoping to collaborate with MPs and local government to help keep people fed during the covid19 restrictions.

In a recent interview, a caterer from the NSDSL who did not want to be named, said they are hoping to get some kind of work because they are financially challenged.

“We are now at the mercy of the Government to get some kind of work.

“Most of my workers are single mothers and have applied for support grants from the Government.

“At the beginning of the restrictions, we have been distributing food to the community through MPs’ offices. We are hoping a programme can be set up in a way for us to get work.

“We are under financial strain and it is unbelievable. We have a lot of bills. Our staff is suffering, because once we suffer the staff will suffer. It is a challenge for caterers because we have all this equipment and the supplies and can’t work.

“It is really hard for all of us right now and most importantly we are very concerned about our staff members. I am reaching out to mine every week and doing what I can to assist because it is the staff members that make my business.”

The caterer said the supplies they were left with after schools were closed were donated to staff members, and they distributed meals to communities.

He said the majority of caterers and their staff are willing to partner with MPs to start a programme for meals to reach households urgently.

“If given some kind of work, we can zone the caterers to deliver meals in the community centers, areas of those who are in need or have pickup service at the schools,” he said.

Another caterer ,who also did not wish to be named, said her entire staff – ten women and two men – had to apply for government support grants because there was not much she could do while there was no work.

She said although the covid19 restrictions are negatively affecting the entire world, the damage to her business and staff was tremendous.

“I am trying to cope with what I have, but I am worried about my staff.

“They are single parents and some were successful obtaining grants, but there are some who are still waiting. I assisted in any way I could have to ensure they got through.

“I have donated food items to my staff and meals distributed through the MP’s office to the community – but I am looking forward to any start of work from the ministry to bring things back some kind of normalcy,” she said.

CEO of the NSDSL Stacy Barran said most caterers’ staff have been trying to get government assistance and efforts are being made to contact the caterers to provide assistance.

“I have been reaching out to the caterers and I was told they are also offering hampers to their staff and assisting in any way they can to fill the gap until we all can get back some business with the ministry.

“We have put some proposals forward in terms of meal services in communities, so we are waiting on a response from the ministry. We are hoping business can start and all the caterers are willing to work.”

Barran also said new protocols were installed at caterers’ kitchens in keeping with the covid19 standards to ensure the best service is delivered.

“We are going to do temperature testing with the staff before they come in and we have put in extra sinks for the washing of hands,” Barran said. Several calls to Education Minister Anthony Garcia’s cell phone went unanswered.