FOOD SERVICES PRAYERS

FOOD IS POWERFUL 

• Food is central to our lives
• Food is an essential part of education
• Food sustains and provides us with energy to grow and prosper
• Food can be an experience
• Food is the oldest global carrier of culture
• Food can be an art form of the highest calibre
• Food is nurturing and promotes wellness from within
• Food connects us to ourselves, family, friends, neighbours, our environment and our community.
• Food is a driving force for globalization and is a symbol of our shared humanity.
• Food enables us to share in other cultures and to embrace our differences
• Food is spiritual. The passage of food between the outside of the body and the inside makes us part of nature
• Food and memories are forever entwined and touch us in so many ways, from generation to generation
• Food is intimate…we think about it, we touch it, we smell it and we taste it. 
• Food is a cause for celebration and rejoicing

 Food is also much, much more……

Food existed before the first text book.

 Back to the times of the Cavemen relationships were developed around the importance of food.  Revolutions have come and gone that were started over food shortages. 

 It has been said that “Cooking” has done the most of all the arts to advance civilization.  “I cook, therefore I am.”

 All animals eat but as humans we are the only animals that cook our food and have elevated the act of cooking to be more than a necessity.  Cooking has become a symbol of our shared social activity and humanity.

 The way we grow, distribute and prepare food should celebrate our various cultures and our shared humanity.  

 The use of bread as the body of Christ in the communion is an old symbol.  It is meant to untie people and in a way say were are all the same.  We are all of the same body and blood.

 Food creates community.  Dishes prepared and meals served for others create a comforting bond.  As humans we appreciate the cheer, togetherness and warmth of gathering and eating with friends.

 Dining with people in a pleasant atmosphere is also part of our unique heritage as human beings and we must never overlook the healing power of eating in a loving and social atmosphere.

 At a fundamental level we are all equal and the same because no matter who we are, we all must eat. 

Food and eating are also part of the relationships that we make at school and in life.  Dishes prepared and meals served in your Cafeteria create a comforting bond of togetherness.

 And, when we eat together, we learn many things.

 Your Food Service Staff focus on and think about food all the time.  We care about food and how the decisions and practices we make on a daily basis affect our world.

At meals, we connect to each other by breaking bread.

The Food Service Department staff are “Food Connectors”.  We connect with the land, we connect with food and we connect with people.  We have connected as a Department because of our passion for food and we feed on “your energy”.  

 We see the raw ingredients that go into the preparation of foods that are available throughout the day in the Cafeteria.  We carefully plan the menus, nourish relationships with suppliers, order and receive the food, prepare from scratch, cook and serve the food.  And hopefully when this food has been served in a friendly manner, it has inspired you to see your world in a different way for that particular period of time.   When you eat the food from the Cafeteria we hope that you will feel the positive energy that went into its preparation.

 As well we work collectively to expose the Havergal Community, Students and Staff to a variety of cuisines, cultures and food issues that are essential to creating informed, and capable global individuals.

 Your Food Service and In-House Housekeeping Department is also just as diverse as the food that is prepared for you on a daily basis.  Again, when we celebrate our culinary diversity, we celebrate our diversity.

 Rodica who works at the Junior School is from Romania, Veronica, Lorna, Valerie, Lavene and Betty are from Jamaica, Sophia is from Greece, Cindy is from Vietnam, Hector is from Columbia, Jessie, Roger and Martina are from the Philippines, Enilda is from El Salvador, Sara hails from Ireland, Susan Siu is from Malaysia, Conway, Ashley and I are from Ontario. With all these countries being represented, you can imagine all our memories and food experiences that we regularly share.  

 So who better to give you some “Food for Thought” than members of your Food Servic and Housekeeping Departments………..

In closing, let’s not forget to “Celebrate what is on Our Plate.”