Considering Multifunctional K12 Foodservice Equipment

School cafeterias don’t always have the space needed to serve students as conveniently as possible, but switching to multi-function foodservice equipment can make it easier to keep your K-12 kitchen clean, organized, and profitable. And as we’ve learned in the past year, versatility in service can be a game-changer. With the right equipment, school nutrition staff can change the points of service, adjust countertops and shelves to match menu options and grade levels, move food around, and even help maintain a sanitary cafeteria.

Let’s dig into a few important considerations when reviewing multi-function school nutrition equipment.

Allow for menu versatility.

Counters that can be adjusted to have flat tops or hold a variety of configurations of serving containers provide the highest level of flexibility and efficiency when it comes to serving different types of meals. Bulk containers of spaghetti, soup, salad, or similar menu items usually benefit from being kept in a large container that can be nested into the counter so that the food is at the level of the counter, which makes it easier to scoop without making a mess. However, regular flat counters are usually a better fit for pizza slices, sandwiches, and other solid items, which means that choosing countertops that can be filled in or left open provides the most options for efficiently serving various types of foods.

Changes the points of service.

Adding portable serving carts allows schools to move away from traditional lunch lines, instead, serving students in their seats or even in the classroom to minimize touchpoints. Lakeside’s wide variety of utility carts are able to help you find the perfect solution for your foodservice equipment needs. This was certainly critical during the COVID period. Mobile serving is easier with reliable and sizable carts that can help staff move food from the cafeteria to other parts of the school. Mobile carts can also be used for storage when they’re not in use. Though the needs for in-class service may not continue after COVID, the concept will likely continue because of the convenience it provides.

Ensure sanitation and safety.

Multi-function foodservice equipment makes it easier for schools to configure stations as needed. Having the ability to add hand sanitizer or even a sink, for example, can allow schools to help ensure safety and sanitation. These safety needs will likely continue into the future. For schools that don’t have existing sanitation equipment, it can be added to a line as part of multi-functional serving equipment.

Providing barriers between prepared foods and students in line is also a helpful step when it comes to making your school cafeteria more sanitary, but blocking off the entire food service area may not be possible. Versatile lines can include options to help protect food by allowing directors to add or remove safety barriers as needed.

Explore equipment options.

Switching to multi-function foodservice equipment can make serving students more convenient and more sanitary. At Lakeside, we offer a variety of foodservice solutions that make it easy to serve students in ways that best fit the layout of your cafeteria and the needs of your school. Browse our website to explore how our products can make your K-12 foodservice more innovative and more convenient.