We give thanks every November, but we’re extra grateful this year as we celebrate the 30th birthday of SAGE Dining Services®. Our growth during these first three decades wouldn’t have been possible without our client communities sharing our passion for great food, nutrition, and sustainability or our Team Members embracing our mission to create exceptional dining experiences. Here are five ways we’re so thankful for them:
Administrators and Team Members who go the extra mile, rain or shine, especially during monsoon-like floods
“Tropical Depression Imelda flooded the roads of our campus waist high in water. When it became apparent that it was unsafe and difficult to bring students to lunch, our SAGE Teams on both campuses found a way to bring lunch to our youngest students. They did so cheerfully and as if it were all a big adventure. And they did it efficiently and with skill. The whole staff was amazed and talking about how great they were. They made all the difference in keeping spirits up and anxiety down while we were flooded in. We love working with you, and we’re always grateful for the quality that SAGE Dining brings us on a daily basis. Yesterday was a gold-star day for the Team.” - Lisa Darling, Head of School at The Awty International School in Houston, Texas
Parents and Food Service Directors who understand the power of inclusive dining
“I’m thrilled with the level of allergen awareness, as well as the allergen labeling on the SAGE website and mobile app. So incredibly helpful. My son and I met with the Food Service Director before school started, and he was super helpful and conscientious, not to mention fun and friendly. It’s very challenging to live with a severe food allergy, so the fact that SAGE is completely nut free is like a dream. My son has never been able to eat (outside of our home) without having to be constantly vigilant about his food choices, so this is a true gift. It has lifted one large cloud of stress/anxiety off our shoulders.” - Jennifer Matsumura, parent at Catlin Gabel School in Portland, Oregon
Students who appreciate our Team Members
“SAGE Dining staff, we honor you with the 2019 yearbook dedication. The graduating class would like to thank you for your hard work and support to the Dawson community. We are truly grateful for your tireless efforts and cheerful disposition. When the daily groups of Dawson students, faculty, and staff descend upon the cafeteria, the SAGE Dining staff is always ready with something for everyone. The menu offerings are creative and delicious. We’ve enjoyed the food and your gracious hospitality but most of all you — for your kindness and consideration and being an integral part of the Dawson community.” - Students at Dawson School in Lafayette, Colorado
“This is year two at Canterbury School in Fort Myers, Florida. The entire Middle School loves the food so much that they decided the entire class needed to make us posters.” - Scott Lohr, SAGE District Manager in the Southern Region
Compassionate Managers
“I will never forget the degree of concern and the humanity of what my Executive Chef and my Director did for me. On Friday, May 10, my mother was diagnosed with liver cancer. I was not scheduled for work that day, so I spent the whole day with my mother because I would not be able to spend Mother’s Day with her as I was scheduled to work Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday, I told my boss about my mom and how this could be my last Mother’s Day with her. I know he could see the distress I was in, and he expressed kind words. He called my Director, and he told him of my situation. They both decided to change my schedule and allow me to share this one last Mother’s Day with my mom by giving me Sunday off. I wept when they surprised me with this gift.” - Gino Bernier, SAGE Team Member at Tilton School in Tilton, New Hampshire
Parents who partner with us to make campuses more sustainable
“My daughter and I met with the Senior Food Service Director to discuss the issues of food wastage and a greener way of serving food with an eye to reducing plastic waste in the dining rooms. He was amazing! I cannot tell you what a great experience we had with him and how proud we are that our school uses SAGE Dining Services.” - Jessica Tuman, parent at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School in Atlanta, Georgia
