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Child Nutrition Program Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Child Nutrition Program information

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How much do child nutrition program jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for child nutrition program in the United States is $14.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $14.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a child nutrition program?

Child Nutrition Programs are federally funded initiatives in the United States designed to provide healthy meals and snacks to children in schools, childcare centers, and other institutions. Programs like the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, and the Child and Adult Care Food Program aim to ensure that children receive nutritious meals that meet specific dietary guidelines. These programs help promote healthy eating habits and support the overall well-being and academic success of children from low-income families.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a child nutrition program, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Child Nutrition Programs often encounter challenges such as meeting strict regulatory guidelines, accommodating diverse dietary needs, and managing limited resources. Balancing menu planning to ensure nutritional value while adhering to budget constraints can be demanding. Effective communication with students, parents, and school staff is crucial to address concerns and promote healthy eating habits. Staying up to date with training and collaborating with nutritionists, food service workers, and administrators can help overcome these challenges and contribute to a supportive, efficient work environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a child nutrition program professional, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Child Nutrition Program role, you need a background in nutrition, food safety, and meal planning, often supported by relevant certifications or degrees such as a ServSafe certification or a degree in dietetics. Familiarity with nutrition analysis software, point-of-sale systems, and state/federal compliance tools is typically required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for managing menus, coordinating with staff, and ensuring regulatory adherence. These skills ensure the delivery of safe, nutritious meals to children while meeting all health and compliance standards.

What is the difference between Child Nutrition Program vs Child Nutrition Specialist?

AspectChild Nutrition ProgramChild Nutrition Specialist
CertificationsTypically requires food service or nutrition certificationsRequires similar certifications, often with additional nutrition credentials
Work EnvironmentProgram administration, planning, and compliance in schools or community settingsDirectly involved in nutrition education, meal planning, and client interaction
Employer & IndustrySchool districts, government agencies, community programsEducational institutions, health organizations, government agencies

The Child Nutrition Program focuses on managing and implementing nutrition services at an organizational level, ensuring compliance and program delivery. In contrast, the Child Nutrition Specialist often works directly with children or clients, providing nutrition education and personalized guidance. Both roles require similar certifications and operate within educational and community settings, but their primary responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

More about Child Nutrition Program jobs

What cities are hiring for Child Nutrition Program jobs?

Cities with the most Child Nutrition Program job openings:

What states have the most Child Nutrition Program jobs?

States with the most job openings for Child Nutrition Program jobs include:

Infographic showing various Child Nutrition Program job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,513 per year, or $14.7 per hour.

Child Nutrition Program Manager

Alabama Department of Education

Bessemer, AL โ€ข On-site

Other

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Child Nutrition Program Manager

Bessemer City School System

Job Title: CNP Manager

Qualifications: Demonstrates aptitude for successful performance of the tasks listed and has earned a high school diploma or better.

Reports to: Child Nutrition Program Director and School Principal

Supervises: CNP Workers

Job Goals: To serve the students attractive and nutritious meals in an atmosphere of efficiency, cleanliness, and warmth.

Performance Responsibilities:

  1. Determines the quantities of each food to be prepared daily.
  2. Determines the size of the servings to meet the necessary age requirements.
  3. Provides food according to a planned menu utilizing tested, uniform recipes, and determines if the finished product is of best quality both in flavor and appearance before it is served.
  4. Plans, supervises, and participates in the preparation and serving of menus at the school
  5. Plans employee work schedules and arranges for substitutes when necessary. Keeps employee time records.
  6. Supervises and instructs Child Nutrition Program personnel in the safe, proper, and efficient use of all food service equipment.
  7. Follows and maintains the highest standards of safety and sanitation of the employees, equipment, and feed preparation area.
  8. Responsible for checking food shipments in at the school, signing invoices only after each order has been verified.
  9. Responsible for records of all food (both purchased and commodity).
  10. Oversees locking of the storeroom, and maintains a correct monthly inventory of purchased and commodities.
  11. Orders on regular basis all necessary food and supplies.
  12. Reports immediately to the Principal and Child Nutrition Program Director any problem or accident occurring in the food production area or the dining facility.
  13. Confers with the Principal and Child Nutrition Program Director about any personnel problems.
  14. Reports to the Child Nutrition Program Director any faculty or inferior quality food which is received.
  15. Supervises the daily cleaning of all food service equipment, washing and sterilizing of all dishes, flatware, utensils, and food preparation area and dining facility area.
  16. Orients new employees to facility and instructs them in performing their assigned tasks. Completes an orientation checklist for each new employee.
  17. Evaluates all food service employees responsible for supervising.
  18. Interprets, as appropriate, federal and state standards and guidelines regarding the Child Nutrition Program to the administration, the staff, and the public.
  19. Supervises all banquets and special meals as required.
  20. Solicits suggestions from student groups regarding preferred foods and meals, and makes effort to incorporate valid suggestions into the Child Nutrition Program.
  21. Works with teachers as requested who are planning lessons or units on food, meal planning, or nutrition.
  22. Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.
  23. Completes reports (revenue, accounts payable, payroll, meal count, and fixed assets) in a timely manner and with utilization of computer.

Terms of Employment: Salary and work year to be established by the Board. Salary in adherence and compliance with the approved salary schedule.

Evaluation: Performance of this job will be evaluated semi-annually.

The above statement reflects the general details considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job identified, and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the job.