In lieu of an on-campus bar, where do William Jewell College students go to grab a cold brew and vent their frustrations? Easy, the campus coffee shops. There any student can pull up a stool and talk about any topic to the willingly – and contractually obliged to be – listening baristas.
As well as being beloved by the Jewell community, the Fresh Ideas contracted coffee shops were recently recognized by the Clay County Public Health Center with a Food Safety Excellence Award.
For the year of 2018, these awards were given to the top 8 percent of establishments overseen by the Clay County Public Health Center and reward a commitment to the Clay County Food Code, outstanding food safety and sanitation practices, and the achievement of exceptional inspection results during the calendar year.
“I’m so proud of this team of baristas for diligently serving the Jewell community,” said Kristina Clevenger (‘18) supervisor of the Jewell coffee shops.
For @TheBeak and The Perch, receiving this award means placing in the 92 percentile – or better than the other 92 percent – of establishments inspected by the Environmental Health Protection Section of Clay County Public Health Center during the 2018 calendar year.
“I love working the bar at The Beak,” said barista Cindy Eggleston (‘91), shocked that the Jewell coffee shops received the award.
The Clay County Public Health Center’s Environmental Health Protection Section is responsible for permitting and inspecting all food establishments within its jurisdiction, including: restaurants, taverns, grocery stores, convenience stores, schools, hospitals, bakeries, childcare centers, mobile units, push carts, vending machines and temporary event concessions.
During 2018, 1,486 routine food establishment inspections and 231 temporary food event inspections were conducted by the Environmental Health Protection Section of the Clay County Public Health Center. Additionally, 130 food-related complaints were investigated.
Of those evaluations, “FRESH IDEAS COFFEESHOP @ WJC” ranked among the highest in quality of food safety and adherence to The Clay County Food Code. The establishments were required to make only minor adjustments following the Dec. 7, 2018 evaluation.
In the press release for the awards, section chief of environmental health protection at the Clay County Public Health Center, Becky Steiner commented that most food establishments in Clay County meet the required food safety standards but that those receiving a Food Safety Excellence Award are exceptional.
“While most Clay County food establishments regularly meet high food safety standards, we like to recognize the ones that consistently prove they value clean and healthy food service,” said Steiner. “Through the efforts of these trained food employees and managers, we can ensure safe and enjoyable dining experiences for Clay County residents and visitors.”
Other Liberty businesses recognized with an award include Alexander Doniphan Elementary School, Eileen’s Colossal Cookies, Hy-Vee (Salad Bar, Produce, Test Kit) and Liberty North Senior High. A full list of the award recipients can be viewed here.
