UGA Week 8!

Monday (7/20)

Where else could you see thousands of stuffed bell peppers being produced in such a short time other than the Stouffers plant? It was such an awesome experience to get to visit the Stouffers plant in Gaffney, SC. When we first arrived at the plant we had to get the equipment on to go inside (steel-toe boots, goggles, hair net, ear plugs, and lab coat). We then talked to the head manager of the factory and he told us about his job and the overall running of the place. After we talked to him we went over to taste test, this is where they test what is being produced every hour for quality control. Once we got to try some of the items we were able to tour the facility. I was not prepared for what we were about to see… the place was gigantic! To go through we had to do a very thorough scrub to keep the factory sanitary. Once inside, there were multiple rooms with production going on. In the main room there were a couple different lines going with different products being produced and off the main room there were smaller rooms with pre-production going on. For example, one of the smaller rooms, which could’ve been the size of a small building, just contained spices. Watching the production lines running was also pretty incredible. It was amazing how accurate these machines were with the product moving through so fast. Of course there were employees along the way making sure production was running smoothly but it was incredible because of how much was being produced. The plant that we went to services most of the South East, so the Stouffers products I’m buying at home in Virginia are most likely coming from this plant.

After we toured the facility we ate lunch and were back on the road to Athens! Of course along the way we had to stop and take pictures beside the Peachoid! I had such a fun time on the field trip today! 

Tuesday (7/21)

We started off the day by looking at some of our grab and go items we made last week. We were able to test the Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion Salad as well as the Hummus and Roasted Veggie Wrap. These products were also a huge success; with minor changes they would be great menu options!

Today I had some time to start finishing up the grab and go project. After spending the summer coming up with fresh ideas for the packaging and labeling the final part is putting it all on paper. I spent today starting to write about the ideas I had and finishing up part of my proposed label. It is satisfying getting to see the final product coming together.

Wednesday (7/22)

I woke up early to continue working on the grab and go final submission and after lunch I went to work with Danielle, the dietitian’s assistant. First, we started out by testing some vegan cupcakes. They have been trying to add some more vegan options, so we were able to try some different flavors of cupcakes and critique them. They were delicious! After that I worked with Danielle to add the closing banquet foods to Food Pro so the manager could have the complete allergen list. It was nice getting to work with Food Pro again and become more familiar with the program, it’s amazing how much it does!

Thursday (7/23)

Today was the first day for banquet prep! We started off the day helping Chef Don separate eggs and then when Rob came in we sat down with him and talked about what needed to be accomplished to prep for the banquet. First, we worked on getting decorations and materials together. We got pallets from the stock room and chafers and other décor from the basement. We then had to come up with our line diagram and how we wanted the dining room to be set up. This was more difficult than I imagined it to be; it was hard to know how much space different tables would take up in the room and how things would fit together. Today, we also got some of our prints and the pipe and drape hung up. I have to say, even after one day of prep it is coming together nicely!

Dining Room after first day of prep!

Hanging the chandelier

Friday (7/24)

Second day of banquet prep! We started the morning off with some basic prep, polishing chafers and washing water and tea pitchers and afterwards we made the flowers arrangements. We then went onto larger prep… getting the dining room in order. At this point we were moving tables around, hanging the chandelier, and getting the photo booth set up. I didn’t realize at first how much work had to be put into prep! I am happy we did all this work today instead of Monday because at the end of the day, I was exhausted. I am looking forward to seeing how everything ties together on Monday! 

Piecing together the backdrop

Photo booth after we got it hung up! 

Weekend!

This weekend I spent with some friends going back to some of my favorite places in Athens! We went to Copper Creek, Taco Stand, Automatic Pizza, and Terrapin! We also went to the pool on Sunday and had a little time to relax. It was such a nice weekend but it went by way too quickly!

 It's sad to think I only have a few more days left in Athens, I have been having blast this summer! I am going to enjoy the time I have left and it will be exciting to see the final product of the closing banquet! 

Kara :)