Preparing for Serving
While the cooks work together on the meal, other staff members carry serving bowls and spoons to the building where the children’s meals will be served. Bread is provided by the government to accompany the meal. As children begin to arrive, the sentinels organize them, seating them in rows on the floor in preparation for their meal.
When the food is ready, two staff members carry the hot, heavy pots inside the building to begin serving.
A Day in the Life at Miriam’s Table
Early Morning Preparations
The staff at Miriam’s Table begin their day very early, committed to preparing the first meal for the children attending the morning school session. Unlike conventional kitchens equipped with cafeteria facilities and commercial stoves, the staff here must prepare two fires for the cooking pots. This work takes place under a tin roof, exposed on the sides to the open air.
While two staff members focus on getting the fires started, others carry large bags of grain and sugar, along with cooking pots and paddles for stirring. The presence of a freshwater well on the property is a tremendous advantage, allowing water to be easily transported in small jugs to the cooking area.
Cooking the Meal
Once the fires have burned down to red hot coals, the staff place the pots on the coals and add the grain mixture. Due to the large size of the pots and the use of cold water, it takes considerable time for the mixture to reach a boil. Throughout this process, the mixture must be stirred constantly to prevent it from burning.
Mealtime Rituals
Before eating, the children sing a song of blessing, and one child is chosen to bless the meal. Afterward, the staff begin serving, and the children often take their bowls outside, gathering in groups to enjoy their meal with friends.
Transition and Cleanup
Once the first group finishes their meal and heads off to school, the staff immediately begin cleaning the bowls, spoons, and pots. Everything must be scrubbed and prepared for the second group of children.
Acknowledging the Staff
We want the staff to know how important their work is each day. Their dedication ensures that children receive this essential daily meal, making a meaningful difference in their lives.
A Day in the Life at Miriam’s Table
Early Morning Preparations
The staff at Miriam’s Table begin their day very early, committed to preparing the first meal for the children attending the morning school session. Unlike conventional kitchens equipped with cafeteria facilities and commercial stoves, the staff here must prepare two fires for the cooking pots. This work takes place under a tin roof, exposed on the sides to the open air.
While two staff members focus on getting the fires started, others carry large bags of grain and sugar, along with cooking pots and paddles for stirring. The presence of a freshwater well on the property is a tremendous advantage, allowing water to be easily transported in small jugs to the cooking area.
Cooking the Meal
Once the fires have burned down to red hot coals, the staff place the pots on the coals and add the grain mixture. Due to the large size of the pots and the use of cold water, it takes considerable time for the mixture to reach a boil. Throughout this process, the mixture must be stirred constantly to prevent it from burning.
Preparing for Serving
While the cooks work together on the meal, other staff members carry serving bowls and spoons to the building where the children’s meals will be served. Bread is provided by the government to accompany the meal. As children begin to arrive, the sentinels organize them, seating them in rows on the floor in preparation for their meal.
When the food is ready, two staff members carry the hot, heavy pots inside the building to begin serving.
Mealtime Rituals
Before eating, the children sing a song of blessing, and one child is chosen to bless the meal. Afterward, the staff begin serving, and the children often take their bowls outside, gathering in groups to enjoy their meal with friends.
Transition and Cleanup
Once the first group finishes their meal and heads off to school, the staff immediately begin cleaning the bowls, spoons, and pots. Everything must be scrubbed and prepared for the second group of children.
Acknowledging the Staff
We want the staff to know how important their work is each day. Their dedication ensures that children receive this essential daily meal, making a meaningful difference in their lives.
