Public Employee Press

One of 125,000 Everyday Heroes
Keeping the children's food safe

“I was fortunate enough to have the support of my family. When I was in the program at LaGuardia, some women had to drop out. I don't blame them because of the demands of work and family.”

Every day, Georgia Angelakis works on the front lines of the food safety system for schoolchildren. She makes sure school meals are safe from the time the food arrives until it is served to students. She is a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points Advisor. “Children are at high risk for food-borne illnesses, because their immune systems are not fully developed,” explained the mother of two. “In this job, you keep them safe.”

“My job is the greatest thing that ever happened to me,” she said. “I deal with people every day.” She visits two to three schools daily, and covers all five boroughs.

Her first job as a member of Dept. of Education Employees Local 372 was as a School Lunch Helper. “It was hard work. It’s a physically taxing job. I can identify with the workers. It’s much easier for them to take advice from someone who’s been there and done that,” she said.

An ad she saw in the union newspaper for DC 37’s high school equivalency classes opened the doors for her. An immigrant from Greece at 13, Ms. Angelakis dropped out of school after junior high and went to work to help support her family. The union helped her get the education she desired. “After three months, I passed the test — April 12, 1999. I was so excited,” she said.

Her educational achievements continued in the Food Service Management Program at LaGuardia Community College. This is a special program set up by Local 372 and the DC 37 Education Fund. “With the exception of my books, the union paid for everything,” she pointed out. “This is a wonderful program. I cannot thank the union enough for this opportunity.”

Ms. Angelakis graduated from LaGuardia in June 2003 with a 4.0 grade point average, membership in Phi Beta Kappa and a full scholarship to study nutrition and food studies at New York University. “I got to this position because of the union — because of the education I received. Without the support of my family and my union, none of this would be possible,” she said.

– Jane LaTour