You may not think much about who they are, but the people who work to serve children in a school cafeteria have a huge job.
 
They're the ones who prepare, serve and clean up so that young students are fed and ready to learn. But in Boardman, so many have left the job, the district is scrambling.
 
Natalie Winkle, food service coordinator for Boardman schools said the district has already lost 10 people in just the first few days of the school year. 
 
Winkle is hoping to hire at least 12 more people to have a full staff.  But with fewer hands on deck during their lunch rush, they're recruiting school administrators and front office workers to fill the vacancies. 
 
Winkle said its a job that requires tremendous effort and dedication. 
 
"It's difficult because our jobs are short hour jobs. With that being said, its hard to get somebody that wants to come in midday to feed the kids and we need the staff here during lunch periods because we need the children to be served with their food," Winkle told 21 News.
 
Luann Basista has worked in the cafeterias at Boardman schools for almost a decade. She says serving the students is rewarding, but understaffing can make some days exhausting. 
 
To apply for a position in the cafeteria, Natalie said applicants can email her at [email protected] or visit the Boardman Local School District website.