Overlooked but important — back-to-school prep for school kitchens.
When preparing your school’s commercial kitchen for the new school year, it’s easy to focus on the basics
like stocking supplies, checking fridge temperatures, and wiping down surfaces. But there are a few critical areas that often get overlooked. Taking time to address these ahead of time can prevent bigger problems once service is in full swing.
Check fire suppression systems and hood filters.
Grease buildup in hood vents is a major fire risk, especially after summer downtime. Make sure hood filters are cleaned or replaced. Confirm your fire suppression system is inspected, up to date, and properly tagged. It’s also a good time to review where fire extinguishers and manual pull stations are located with your team.
Deep clean ice machines.
Ice machines are often skipped during regular cleaning. Mold, bacteria, and mineral buildup can hide inside bins and internal components. Thoroughly sanitize the machine and bin and replace the water filter if it hasn’t been changed recently.
Inspect ceiling vents and lighting.
Ceiling vents can collect dust and grease, which can affect air quality and raise health concerns. Clean out vent covers and check overhead light fixtures for buildup or burnt-out bulbs. A clean, well-lit kitchen improves both safety and productivity.
Clearly label emergency shutoffs.
Make sure all gas, water, and electrical shutoffs are clearly labeled and easily accessible. In an emergency, staff should be able to locate and operate these quickly. Taking a few minutes to double-check this can save valuable time in critical situations.
Why it matters.
These often-overlooked tasks may seem small, but they can have a big impact on safety, efficiency, and compliance. A little extra attention before school starts can help your kitchen run more smoothly, reduce downtime, and ensure you’re ready to serve students without disruption.
A school’s commercial kitchen is the backbone of daily nutrition for students. School foodservice comes with unique challenges, like maintaining durable equipment, managing energy use, and keeping workflows efficient. Having a well-organized and reliable kitchen setup can make back-to-school transitions smoother and help your team focus on what matters most: delivering healthy meals on time.
