Abstract
This thesis is an ethnographic study of lunch ladies in the rural setting of Moscow, Idaho. The purpose of this research is to understand and explain the centrality of their roles within the educational food system, both as nurturers and intermediaries in federal meal programs. The existing literature surrounding this topic, often focuses on the logistics of federal policies, the nutritional policies of these policies or its relation to commercial agriculture, while little is focused on the responsibilities of the lunch ladies. This thesis examines the lived experiences of lunch ladies in a rural community through an ethnographic framework. I collected data through interviews with the lunch ladies and non-participant observations in the lunchroom. Findings from this research include COVID-19 as having both a positive and negative impact to the workplace, governmental policy in the kitchen and community mothering. The lunch ladies believe their work serving the community by physically feeding students and teaching them valuable skills.