LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- A new kitchen is currently undergoing construction at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas’ Child Development Center, and is scheduled to be open in early March.
The new renovation comes with an expanded workspace, new cabinets and appliances, and more ease of use for the faculty. The changes also have the added benefit of providing more healthy food options at a time when more schools across the United States opting for a more wholesome menu.
“First and foremost, these changes will help us prepare a lot more quality food for our children,” said Omar Matos, 47th Force Support Squadron youth programs director. “It also helps us keep our staff safe from slips and falls.”
The kitchen renovation, according to Matos, was long overdue. The old kitchen, to him, had begun to show its age—and with time comes all sorts of extra, hidden problems.
“A lot of our equipment and all the space was just old,” he said. “The ceilings had leaks, the cabinets were outdated, and the floors are a hazard—the kitchen just didn’t fit our needs for the number of kids we have.”
For Matos, the most exciting part of getting a new kitchen is the new beginning for the CDC, which eventually paves the way for more options and events.
“It’s like a fresh start, where the kids are happy to come here,” he said. “We can come in here, and it feels good to not have to work with the same stuff we had before. It really feels like we’re getting things done.”
For more information about the Child Development Center program or any of their upcoming events, contact them at (830) 298-5419.