Why the timing is tight
Schools serve meals under USDA programs, including the National School Lunch Program. When school is out, the Summer Food Service Program funds meals for children, and districts often run those meals from the same buildings they want to renovate. Summer is also when construction crews can get into an empty cafeteria. A temporary kitchen trailer rental lets both happen.
Sizing the kitchen
Start with meals per day and the menu. A 24 or 28 ft standard kitchen carries a convection oven, a griddle and oven combination, a six-burner range, sinks, a prep table, and reach-in refrigeration, which covers most school menus. Larger districts preparing meals for several schools from one site usually need a 40 ft bulk kitchen. If the dish room is part of the renovation, add a dishwashing trailer so you keep using reusable trays.
The site plan
- Park the trailer close to the serving line, with a short, covered path.
- Confirm 220V service at 200 to 220 amps near the parking spot, and keep it out of the construction zone.
- Plan potable water and wastewater, and agree delivery and pickup times with the general contractor.
Heat
Summer service means heat on the walk to the serving line and inside a working kitchen. OSHA's heat exposure guidance covers working in outdoor and indoor heat; build breaks and water into the staffing plan.
Small districts
Small towns often have one kitchen serving every school, so a renovation there has no backup. We deliver to districts in towns like Geneseo, Forks, and Detroit Lakes on the same terms as large districts. Use the rental calculator for a preliminary figure, then send the dates for a quote.