Welcome to Food Connects’ series highlighting the amazing essential workers in our community who work hard every day to keep our children fed. Read on to learn more!
Steve Napoli
Steve is the head custodian at Putney Central School, where he has worked for 10 years. When schools closed in March, Steve rolled up his sleeves and went to work helping get meals out to students. We sat down in June and had a chat about his work and how things have changed for him. Here are some highlights from that conversation:
Sheila Humphreys (SH): How has your work changed due to COVID-19?
““In the beginning, it was an eerie feeling but we knew we had to get the meals out because this is what we do, we take care of the community.””
Steve Napoli (SN): In normal times, I work during the school day and usually the kitchen is pretty set unless someone is sick, then I’ll jump in and do dishes or something, but usually I just clean the cafeteria, put tables away and stuff like that. Ever since the first day we started serving meals after schools closed, I’ve been involved with it. Now we’re numb to it, but in the beginning it was an eerie feeling, but we knew we had to get the meals out because this is what we do, we take care of the community. It’s been a long road, preparing about 100 bags every day with 2 meals in them.
SH: What has kept you going during these unusual times?
SN: My faith is #1, and #2 is the appreciation that the community has shown. They really appreciate it. They are out there getting their lunches every day, and sometimes they drop off surprises here for us, it feels good. It’s a great, great community, unlike any other in this country. For example, we do the lantern supper every year and it’s magnificent. No where else do you see that, it’s pretty unique.
SH: Do you have children at home?
SN: I have an 18 year old who just graduated from high school in Keene. He enlisted in the Navy and is shipping out August 4, so I have 2 weeks to spend good time with him before he has to quarantine. He will be stationed in Florida. He is excited.
SH: What has been your biggest challenge during this time?
SN: I don’t feel like anything is challenging here at work. It’s been going pretty smoothly. We get here every day, we get it done, and we go home. After I get home sometimes I actually have to take a nap because it’s kind of stressful to think of the big picture, but other than that, I stay pretty busy and that’s helpful.
SH: How can the community support you and other food service workers during this time?
SN: This community is supportive because they show their appreciation. When I see someone in the general store or something, the first thing they say to me is thank you. And that’s because of this community. I’ve seen communities where you don’t get that, but we do, so we are very fortunate.
SH: What advice would you give to someone who is interested in this career?
SN: We are very fortunate at Putney Central. The meals, the food, the freshness, you won’t see this anywhere else. It’s not frozen, it’s all fresh and our cooks are #1. It’s unbelievable to taste the product that comes out of this kitchen. It could be a quinoa salad or a homemade mac and cheese or a beet salad, things you don’t see anywhere else. It’s top grade, good food, and you don’t see that in many schools across the country where it’s more commercialized. We’re one of very few schools that run our own kitchen and it makes a difference. During the year when school is open, we serve 3-4 meals a day, with breakfast, healthy snack, lunch, and after school meals. This kitchen is unreal. A lot of people don’t realize what their kids are getting.
SH: What brings you joy? What are some things that you do outside of work that bring you joy?
SN: People. Life in general.
SH: What are you grateful for?
SN: My job. I’m very grateful for this work. I have a wonderful girlfriend that I’m grateful for, and I’m grateful for my son. I’m very fortunate. I’ve been working here for 10 years and it seems like yesterday. I think about how many kids I’ve seen come through here in 10 years. With 200 kids in the building, there are some kids that I don’t even know their names, and other kids who won’t leave my side. They want to learn, learn, learn from me. Everyday normally during school I have a group of kids who work with me after lunch, they help wipe tables and help sweep, so I miss that. These kids are amazing. It’s like one big family. It’s weird not having them here, and I’m happy to know that we are opening up in September. I can’t wait!