Here are nine great Shields Gazette archive photos, all showing the workers who put their love into preparing meals from Lord Blyton to Valley View.
Have a look and see if you can spot a person who served you at dinner time.
1. Greener meals on the menu
Leon Hardie and Ruby Dougherty, pupils at Bedeburn Primary School in Jarrow, with Councillors Margaret Meling and Adam Ellison. | sg Photo: AN
2. Joan's great work at St Bede's
Joan Hannah hung up her apron after 35 years as dinner lady at St Bede's RC Primary School in 2004. Photo: CL
3. Helping out in 2004
Ann Gibson got a helping hand with serving in 2004 as she served up food with Paul Baldasera and Coun Moira Smith helping out. | sg Photo: CL
4. Flowers for Brenda
Brenda Robb spent 25 years at Lukes Lane Community Primary School in Hebburn and here she is on her retirement in 2005 with pupils Kelsie Howorth and Nathan Bull. | sg Photo: IB