At SND USA, food service is much more than just providing meals; it’s about building relationships, nurturing connections, and dedication to excellent service. This week, during Pride in Food Service Week (February 3-7, 2025), we celebrate the remarkable work done by the SND USA Food Service team.
Chardon, Ohio – Tony Pona, SND Chardon’s Food Service Director, began his career with SND in food service in 2006 while working for a food contractor. What started as a passion for the food industry turned into a daily commitment to serving the Sisters of Notre Dame (SND) and the communities they serve.
In 2018, with the opening of Notre Dame Village (NDV), Tony transitioned to working full-time for SND USA. The addition of dining rooms at NDV meant the team had to expand. Together, they work tirelessly to serve three meals a day, seven days a week, 100 hours a week, catering everything from regular meals to special events.
The Food Service Team at SND doesn’t just focus on regular dining. They cater a variety of special events throughout the year, from jubilees and reunions to diocesan meetings and Council on Religious Leadership projects. The team also serves the Bethany Retreat Center in Chardon, OH, and provides catering for events like the annual Mother’s Day Tea at Jennings, as well as board meetings and other gatherings that all occur several times throughout the month. The diversity of events they cater to is a testament to the breadth and depth of their service.
A lesser-known ministry of the Food Service Team and Sisters’ is their involvement with the Geauga Faith Rescue Mission, where every Friday, they support the men’s shelter by packing up meals—around 10 each week—while Sisters prepare homemade desserts for the residents.
One of the most meaningful aspects of serving in SND Food Service is the relationships it fosters. Tony recalls when a Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin student working in Food Service wrote an essay for college entry, reflecting on the importance of building relationships while serving the Sisters. For many of these students, the opportunity to serve the Sisters who once taught them in elementary school is a full-circle moment. It’s an opportunity to give back to those who invested in them, and it helps build character while strengthening the community at SND USA.
Serving the Sisters is not only fulfilling work, but has a great impact on the team. Tony Pona often reminisces with the Sisters about their previous ministries and where they taught. The chance to engage in these conversations has become one of the most rewarding parts of his job. He shares, “The Sisters have served everyone, now it’s time to serve them,” reflecting on the powerful role the food service ministry plays in the Sisters’ lives.
Jeffrey Scharton, Assistant Food Service Director in Chardon, echoes similar sentiments about building relationships. Having been at SND USA for six years, Jeffrey has cultivated a strong rapport with the Sisters and the staff. He enjoys making light of the day-to-day work while ensuring everything gets done correctly. His approach to leadership centers on keeping the atmosphere relaxed, while still achieving excellence in the kitchen.
As the food service ministry continues to grow, so too does the need for new team members. With over 40 part-time and full-time employees, there is often an opportunity for those interested in joining the team. Positions for dietary aides are currently open.
Learn more about open Food Service positions on the SND USA Careers site here.
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