CDM, CFPP of the Month - September 2024
Name: Amber Goines, CDM, CFPP
Job Title: Director of Nutrition Services
Employer: The Senior Hub-Meals on Wheels of Fairfield County
Job Location: Lancaster, OH
Years at Current Facility: 14 years
Years in Current Position: 2.5 years
CDM, CFPP Since: 2022
Why did you decide to become a CDM, CFPP?
Honestly, there was an opening for the Director of Nutrition Services within our agency. I had spent nine years as the Nutrition Division Manager here and felt this was a natural transition, but the position required a CDM, CFPP. I put my name in the hat and was selected, so I got right to work completing my CDM, CFPP courses.
What are your main responsibilities in your current position?
My main responsibilities in my position are menu writing, daily supervision of both my nutrition & route department staff and operations, providing food safety education, and maintaining budgets.
How do you organize your time at work to make sure you accomplish all your responsibilities?
I communicate regularly with my staff so they understand what is needed each day. Having good communication allows me to focus on my responsibilities because I know they are getting their responsibilities completed too. I find lists are my friend and help me organize my day.
What is an example of an innovative way you have made change at your facility and how did you implement it?
One big change I have been a part of is the transition in the type of delivery vehicles we use. We currently use full size trucks on some routes. As you can imagine, everything about them is costly. In order to reduce cost we have started purchasing vans/SUVs and I have fitted them with the appropriate gear to keep food safe.
What was your first job in the foodservice industry?
My first job in the foodservice industry was a dietary aide in an assisted living facility. I did this for about 2 years, straight out of high school.
Who has been your biggest mentor in foodservice and how have they helped shape your career?
I have been so blessed to have so many people in my corner. Our executive director took a leap of faith with me and offered me my current position and has been such a wonderful sounding board during my learning curve. My former supervisor took me under her wing and taught me how to run an efficient kitchen and how to be a good leader. Without either of these two ladies I wouldn’t be a CDM, CFPP.
What are the biggest challenges you face in your position and how do you handle them?
I think my biggest challenge in my position is staffing. COVID-19 really changed the workforce and overcoming those changes were challenging. I found rolling with the punches and jumping in to help wherever was needed was the only way to overcome the changes and challenges. I can and will work right beside my staff in the kitchen or jump in a car to deliver meals. My staff always chuckle at me because I always say, “When have we not figured it out or gotten through it?” Even on the most challenging days I stick by that mantra.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is the calls or letters from clients telling me how much they appreciate our meals. At the end of the day, making sure our seniors in our community had a warm, safe, and nutritious meal is key to having a great day!
How do you stay up to date with current innovations and trends?
I am so lucky to have other wonderful Meals on Wheels providers near my county. I have regular communication with these providers. They are a great asset for learning and staying current on new innovations. I also find that our food service company and our GPO are a wealth of knowledge for new trends.
How do you envision the foodservice industry changing in the next few years?
I feel that in my part of the foodservice industry is going to grow rapidly in the next few years, and we are going to see that clients want new, exciting meals.
What is your advice to those just getting started in the foodservice industry?
My advice to someone just starting out in foodservice is to learn at least one thing from everyone you work with. You never know, you might be their next CDM, CFPP, guiding the next generation of foodservice professionals.