Kristina Huffman
El Paso
Summary
Dynamic Food Service Specialist with over 8 years of experience in school food programs, recognized for expertise in safe food handling and efficient service delivery. Demonstrated ability in money management, problem-solving, and coordinating large batch cooking, leading to enhanced meal quality and increased student satisfaction. Committed to creating a positive dining atmosphere while driving operational efficiency through strong communication and teamwork. Proven hospitality leader adept at adapting to evolving needs, prioritizing tasks, and consistently achieving results with reliability and excellence.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Cafeteria Assistant Manager
El Paso Independent Sch District
El Paso, TX
09.2025 - Current
- Oversaw daily operations of cafeteria, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations achieving over a 95% quality rating.
- Trained and mentored seven staff members on food preparation and service protocols.
- Implemented inventory management systems to optimize food supply chain efficiency.
- Monitored food quality and presentation standards, ensuring customer satisfaction.
- Assisted in budgeting processes, tracking expenses related to cafeteria operations.
- Oversaw inventory control measures, reducing waste and maintaining optimal stock levels for menu items.
- Trained seven staff members on proper cooking procedures as well as safety regulations and productivity strategies.
Food Service Specialist
El Paso Unified School District
El Paso, TX, US
10.2022 - 08.2025
- Monitored food temperatures and storage conditions, leading to improved compliance with health standards and reduced waste.
- Coordinated with kitchen staff to execute large batch cooking, ensuring high-quality meals for routine school events and maintaining consistency.
- Provided exceptional service to over 300 students and staff members, fostering a welcoming environment and encouraging positive interactions.
Food Service Specialist
Silver Valley Unified School District
Fort Irwin, CA
08.2016 - 12.2021
- Inspected kitchen equipment regularly, ensuring optimal functionality and adherence to safety protocols, minimizing downtime.
- Optimized meal service procedures, significantly enhancing service speed and boosting student satisfaction during lunch hours.
- Operated commercial kitchen equipment safely, enhancing meal preparation efficiency.
- Tracked and processed meal payments for over 400 students, ensuring accurate documentation.
- Fostered a positive dining environment, enhancing student satisfaction and encouraging healthy eating habits among children.
- Streamlined food preparation processes, resulting in timely meal service and improved student participation rates.
- Coordinated with staff to ensure compliance with health regulations, maintaining a safe and sanitary kitchen environment.
- Maintained accurate inventory records and executed daily stock checks, minimizing waste and ensuring consistent food availability.
Education
High School Diploma -
Amphitheater High School
Tucson05.2001
Skills
- Inventory management
- Customized solution development
- Recipe standardization
- School nutrition programs
- Financial transaction processing
- Clear and concise communication
- Efficient ingredient handling
- Training program development
- Analytical problem-solving
- Ordering procedures
- Food safety practices
- Customer satisfaction
- Team engagement
- HACCP strategy development
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of seven staff members.
- Resolved product issue through consumer testing.
- Achieved higher quality food by improving team members' food preparation training.
Certification
- Cook in Training - Cook in Training Program
- CPR/First Aid, May 2025 - CPR/First Aid
- Management Food Safety - Management Food Safety
Timeline
Cafeteria Assistant Manager
El Paso Independent Sch District
09.2025 - Current
Food Service Specialist
El Paso Unified School District
10.2022 - 08.2025
Food Service Specialist
Silver Valley Unified School District
08.2016 - 12.2021
High School Diploma -
Amphitheater High School