NDCS Team Member Spotlight: Food Service Manager Sam Foster focuses on teaching job skills

Feeling the need to give back to the community, Food Service Manager Sam Foster turned in the bright lights and action of working in a casino for a new role, and what he calls a better fit, at the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS). “Criminal justice has always been an interest of mine.”

Foster got his start as a food service specialist at the Omaha Correctional Center (OCC) nearly four years ago. Since then, he was promoted to food service manager. “It’s very different than what I expected. We are more rehabilitation-focused. When we work and train incarcerated men here, we hold them to the same standards as you would in a real work environment in the community, so they know what to expect once they leave the facility. We find things for them to learn to be successful.”

Stepping into a managerial role broadened Foster’s skillset and has given him opportunities for even more career growth at NDCS. “It’s like a family here at OCC. But even working in the kitchen, we have our own smaller family too. We help each other out. It’s a good career opportunity to use this experience to move into other areas, if interested.”

People tend to be curious about jobs in corrections and running a busy kitchen inside a facility is no exception. Foster monitors and prepares food and supply orders, assists in menu planning and development, coaches NDCS teammates and the men working in the kitchen. Sanitation is also an important part of running a successful kitchen. “I’ve loved working here,” said Foster. “It can be stressful at times, but it’s all worth bettering the men’s lives.”