There are many ways that food service workers and cafeteria staff can support English language learners (ELLs). There are also things that managers and administrators can do to improve communication and outreach among ELL families. Here are some ideas to get started!
We also have some related resources:
- A tip sheet for sharing
- A slide deck that features a professional learning session (below)
In the Cafeteria
Look for ways to welcome students.
- Greet students with a smile and introduce yourself.
- Post welcome signs in students' languages.
In addition, remember that:
- Patience can go a long way in helping students adjust to new routines.
- Each adult in a school community can make an important difference to an ELL — especially adults that students see every day.
Help students find their way around the cafeteria.
ELLs may need help finding their way around the cafeteria. Show students where to:
- Get food and drinks
- Get utensils
- Pay for lunch
Pair students with a buddy if needed.
In addition, keep in mind that school procedures may be new to students and families; there may be questions related to menus, paying for lunch, free- and reduced-lunch services, and safety rules. Be sure to connect students or families with the appropriate contact as needed.
Use visuals in the cafeteria.
- Use signs with visuals.
- Post safety signs where students can see them.
- If possible, use bilingual signs or add translated terms to signs.
Support family communication.
Find out if there are bilingual staff members who handle ELL family communication. If so, take time to introduce yourself and find out how they work with families.
Your district may also use:
- A language line
- A language app
Ask for more training using these resources if needed.
Safety Issues
Go over emergency procedures.
- Review safety procedures for addressing emergencies (such as allergic reactions) with the school nurse.
- Find out what to do in case of an emergency, including whom to contact that speaks families' languages.
- Keep in mind that students who speak English may revert to their language in an emergency.
Address safety issues promptly.
If a safety issue arises or you notice a recurring issue:
- Talk with a supervisor or administrator first
- Find out if better communication is needed
- Share your ideas for how to address the issue
Preventing Bullying
Watch out for bullying.
- Address any bullying in the cafeteria immediately.
- ELLs and their families may not be familiar with school policies on bullying and they may be afraid to report any incidents.
Be aware of why ELLs may be bullied.
Students should not be bullied for any reason, including:
- Language
- Accent
- Country of origin
- Immigration status
- Cultural customs
- Food
- Dress
Immigrant Students
Know immigrant students' rights.
- All students have a right to a free public K-12 education, regardless of their (or their parents') immigration status.
- School staff should never ask about or refer to students' or families' immigration status.
Share Successes
Share ELL success stories.
- Share success stories about working with ELLs and ELL families with your colleagues and supervisors, no matter how small.
- This can help create a positive culture that supports students.
Celebrate achievements!
Food service workers help students every day by:
- Greeting and interacting with students
- Helping students access food and stay safe
Food service workers also help students access meals during emergencies and school closures, such as natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic. (See how Brockton Public Schools addressed food insecurity during the pandemic in the featured video below.)
One important champion of food service workers is best-selling author/illustrator Jarrett Krosoczka, whose Lunch Lady comic series have not only been popular with kids but have launched special recognition for food service workers. See more in the following, including a special video featuring Mr. Krosoczka:
- Who Needs a Cape When You Have an Apron? (Reading Rockets)
- Lunch Lady Comics
Video: Why Lunch Ladies Are Heroes
Jarrett Krosoczka shares the origins of the Lunch Lady graphic novel series, in which undercover school heroes serve lunch … and justice! His new project, School Lunch Hero Day, reveals how cafeteria lunch staff provide more than food, and illustrates how powerful a thank you can be.
Ideas for Nutrition Services Offices
The following ideas highlight some other steps that district nutrition offices can take to support ELLs and ELL families.
Coordinate with family liaisons.
- Coordinate with family liaisons to help explain to families how the cafeteria works, ideally before school starts.
- This training should include information about where to find school menus, schedules, how to pay for meals, and free- and reduced-lunch options.
- Ask family liaisons how and where families get their information; many families have active networks on social media or texting apps such as WhatsApp.
Translate school menus in students' languages.
- Translate school menus into students' languages. You may be able to use family engagement or ELL funds to support this activity.
- Post these menus on the walls of the cafeteria and share them with families via print copies or other family communication channels, like social media.
- Consider adding visuals to menus as well.
Address dietary needs and preferences.
Work with the nutrition services department, family liaisons, and others to address dietary restrictions based on:
- Allergies
- Culture
- Religion
- Personal preference
Incorporate food from students' cultures.
Look for ways to incorporate authentic foods from students' cultures through:
- Rotating menu options
- Food for holidays and celebrations
- Partnerships with local businesses and farms
Enlist family volunteers.
- Enlist bilingual family volunteers to help in the cafeteria on a regular basis.
- Provide volunteers with basic training about how the cafeteria works and how to report any behavior issues.
Invite food service workers to events.
Invite food service workers to meet families at:
- Open house
- Back-to-school night
- Other family events
Professional Learning
This Colorín Colorado slide deck can be used for turnkey professional development sessions. Please share attribution to Colorín Colorado.
To get started, you need:
- How Food Service Staff Can Support ELLs and ELL Families: Includes activities, discussion questions, and speaker's notes (also featured below)
We recommend customizing these sessions with screenshots of related platforms, policies, or resources from your setting.
To edit this presentation, you can download or copy the slides:
- File > Download (no Google account required)
- File > Make a copy (Google account required)
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