January is Also Be Kind to Your Food Servers Month
Embrace Empathy and Appreciation
January is a month that marks the beginning of a new year and includes important holidays like Martin Luther King Jr. Day and International Holocaust Remembrance Day. However, not many know that January is also known as "Be King to Your Food Server Month."
The average age of fast-food workers in the United States is 23. Unfortunately, around 35% of individuals aged 18-29 experience mental health issues. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the mental health crisis we are facing today.
Amid our busy daily routines, it's easy to overlook the hard work of the individuals who make our dining experiences enjoyable while dealing with their issues and problems.
Food servers, who often work long hours with a smile on their faces, are an essential part of the hospitality industry. This January, let's collectively resolve to be kinder, more understanding, and appreciative of the dedicated individuals who serve us our favorite meals.
"The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the greatest intention." — Kahlil Gibran.
My Personal Story
When I was growing up, my family and I used to watch a lot of Indian movies. These films helped me learn how to speak Hindi as a Bengali speaker. One of the most impactful movies I watched as a child was the critically acclaimed 2006 Indian movie "Lage Raho Munna Bhai" (which roughly translates to "Keep Going, Munna Bro" in English).
In the film, the main character, Munna, a gangster, starts seeing the spirit of Mahatma Gandhi. As he bonds with the spirit of Gandhi, he creates what he called "Gandhigiri" (a term coined for "Gandhism") to assist ordinary people in resolving their issues.
There is a powerful scene in the film where a young woman is about to meet a guy her family has chosen for an arranged marriage. She has only one meeting to decide whether she wants to marry him.
Worried, the young woman calls Munna on his radio show, where he uses Mahatma Gandhi's teachings to solve issues. Munna suggests that she pay attention to how this man treats the food service workers at the cafe during their meeting. During their meeting, the guy whistles to call the waiter, making the young woman walk away.
"To judge someone, observe how he treats those of inferior status." — an English translated dialogue from Lago Raho Munna Bhai.
As someone who worked as a food service worker during high school and college, I have come across many individuals who wore clothing, tattoos, and jewelry that promoted messages of love and anti-hate yet were still capable of making derogatory comments such as "Go back to India, Indian Boy!" over a cup of coffee or a sandwich.
I left the food service industry and started working in fitness when I was a sophomore in college. On my last day as a food server, I promised never to treat any food service or minimum-wage worker like I was treated. In a world that can sometimes feel disconnected, a simple act of kindness can create a ripple effect of positivity.
Ways We Make a Difference in the Life of Food Servers
Practice Patience
January is the month to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and remember his teachings of unity, respect, and love. It is the perfect time to practice patience. Being patient can make a big difference during a busy restaurant night or a slight delay in service. Food servers work hard to provide a memorable dining experience, so that understanding can go a long way.
Genuine Appreciation
Working in the food industry can be challenging due to demanding customers and extended shifts on their feet. Expressing gratitude is a simple gesture that can mean a lot to a food server. A heartfelt "thank you" or a compliment on a well-prepared dish can brighten their day and make their job more satisfying. It's essential to take a moment to appreciate their hard work and dedication.
Mindful Ordering
When ordering food, we need to consider dietary restrictions, communicate preferences clearly, and be mindful of the kitchen's workload to create a harmonious dining experience for everyone.
Generous Tipping
Showing appreciation through generous tipping is a straightforward way to express gratitude. Our tip is not just a monetary reward; it's a way of acknowledging the hard work and dedication that goes into providing us with a delightful dining experience.
Being kind to our food servers helps to create a culture of empathy, understanding, and appreciation. As we enjoy the flavors of the new year, let's also appreciate the moments of connection and gratitude that come with treating those who serve us our daily meals with kindness.
