As Buena students file into the lunch line after long class periods, they know fresh, hot food awaits them, but they may realize the hard work behind every tray served. The cafeteria hums with activity long before the first bell rings. Starting at 6 a.m., the dedicated staff, led by the ever-energetic Angie Marin, ensures everything is in place for a smooth day ahead. From checking the freezer temperatures, to meticulously preparing breakfast and lunch, and finally serving the hungry students, these nutritionists pour their effort into feeding the school community — who enjoy these meals unaware that the secret ingredient behind each bite is the rarest of all — love.
Marin, who has been with Buena for almost thirty years, exemplifies dedication and passion. Her day begins with opening the kitchen and assisting with breakfast preparations. She seamlessly transitions into her managerial role, ordering food products, managing inventory and handling finances. Despite her many responsibilities, Marin always makes time to connect with her team and the students, creating the warm and welcoming atmosphere that defines the cafeteria.
“We are family… we celebrate our birthdays and each take a turn to bake a cake,” Marin said, “Everyone is so supportive.”
The culture of the cafeteria staff, formally known as child nutritionists, is a tight knit community that always has each other’s backs, and genuinely wants what’s best for each other. This sense of support extends beyond the kitchen, as Marin and her team strive to create a carefree environment for the students.
“When we have students come in, we know that it is their space, that they don’t have to turn in an assignment for us, they don’t have to do anything for us, they can just come in and take, and that’s awesome,” Marin said,
However, Marin is not the only one with years of experience in the kitchen. Child nutritionist Kim Hunter also began her journey thirty years ago, in 1994. Her career choice perfectly matched her kids schedules after taking the job to avoid having a babysitter for her children during school hours.
A lot of the other cafeteria helpers also took the job to try and be with kids more or match their schedule, but ended up staying even after their graduation, as they fell in love with the job.
“I’m used to it, I like the hours, I’m still off when the kids are off, and I like to work with the people and kids here,” Hunter said, “Every year you get new kids and… it’s just fun to communicate with them.”
Hunter’s daily routine involves prepping meals, cashiering, cleaning, and occasionally serving food. With years of experience under her belt, Hunter continues as a hero in the cafeteria for new experiences every year at Buena.
Not all of the cafeteria assistants bring a traditional title to the table. Ulises Hernandez brings a unique and refreshing energy to the role. Hernandez joined the Buena team last year, however, his skills in nutrition aren’t loose-fitting, nor is his influence in the community.
Having been working in nutrition since the year 2000, Hernandez knows his way around a kitchen. After managing a restaurant in Santa Barbara for 18 years, he loved the routine and schedule that Buena had to offer.
Hernandez takes pride in prioritizing the breakfast menu with different menus daily. Constantly, his daily start begins with the making of pizza sticks, breakfast burritos, and other delicious breakfast creations.
While Hernandez actively participates in serving, he also takes time to smile, wave, and chat with the students passing by in the lunch line. For being a new addition to the cafeteria family, Hernandez has made an impact in serving as a positive role model by communicating with students.
“Some students are really friendly,” Hernandez said, “We joke around sometimes, [and] it’s like they are part of the family too.”
The cafeteria at our school is more than just a place to eat—it’s a vibrant hub of activity and connection. Thanks to the dedication of Marin, Hunter and Hernandez, as well as the other dedicated cafeteria members, the cafeteria is a welcoming space where students can enjoy nutritious meals and feel a sense of belonging. Their combined efforts ensure that every day runs smoothly, and their passion for their work shines through in the smiles of the students they serve.
“I love what we do, I love it because I am a baker at heart, I like to create, and when we create and we see students that love what we create, it’s just fully satisfying,” Marin said.
