Reply #41: I remember real lunch ladies coming in when school started and making real food

[haele]

there in the lunchroom in elementry school and jr. high. There was a big industrial stove and oven set-up, and both a refigerator and a freezer in a large pantry. Around 9:30, you'd start smelling lunch being made.
Yes, they got institutional supplies, but they'd actually prepare and cook something, including cookies or a cobbler of some sort for dessert, and there was always seasonal fruit. And they'd make a real grilled cheese sandwich or have PB&J for those who might not like the fish sticks or meatloaf for lunch. Lunch was served in pale green or tan colored melamine trays and bowls.
And there was always a soup of some type.

The best lunches were the twice a month sliced turkey breast over mashed potatoes with either applesauce or cranberry sauce scoops alongside.

Haele