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Child Nutrition Program Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Production Cook

Flint, MI

$15.50 - $18/hr

Experience with USDA Child Nutrition Program standards and compliance (preferred) Working Conditions * Part‑time position * Up to 19.75 hours per week * Monday-Friday * Schedule may vary based on ...

Production Cook

Flint, MI · On-site

$15.25 - $17.75/hr

Experience with USDA Child Nutrition Program standards and compliance (preferred) Working Conditions * Part-time position * Up to 19.75 hours per week * Monday-Friday * Schedule may vary based on ...

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Child Nutrition Program information

See Michigan salary details

$6

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How much do child nutrition program jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for child nutrition program in Michigan is $12.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.55 and $12.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become a children's nutritionist?

To become a children's nutritionist, you typically need a bachelor's degree in nutrition, dietetics, or a related field. Certification or licensure, such as the Registered Dietitian (RD) credential, often requires completing supervised practice and passing an exam. Strong knowledge of child development and nutrition guidelines is essential for working with children in various settings.

How much does a child nutrition manager make?

A child nutrition manager typically earns a median annual salary of around $45,000 to $55,000, depending on experience, location, and the size of the program. They often oversee meal planning, staff management, and compliance with nutrition standards in school or community settings.

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.

What can a nutritionist do for a child?

A child nutrition program nutritionist assesses a child's dietary needs, develops balanced meal plans, and educates families on healthy eating habits. They may also monitor growth and nutritional status, collaborate with caregivers and schools, and ensure compliance with nutritional guidelines to promote overall health and development.

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 highest paying job in nutrition?

In the field of child nutrition, registered dietitians and nutrition directors tend to have the highest salaries, especially those with advanced degrees and leadership roles in large organizations or healthcare settings. These positions often require certification, such as the RD credential, and involve overseeing nutrition programs and policies.

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 Child Nutrition Programs?

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 popular job titles related to Child Nutrition Program jobs in Michigan? For Child Nutrition Program jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Child Nutrition Program jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Child Nutrition Program jobs in Michigan are:
Infographic showing various Child Nutrition Program job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $26,595 per year, or $12.8 per hour.

Child Nutrition Elementary Kitchen Lead

Kentwood Public School District

Grand Rapids, MI • On-site

$14.25 - $19.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Position Type:
Child Nutrition Services
Date Posted:
7/16/2026
Location:
Endeavor Elementary School
Closing Date:
07/23/2026 ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS MUST BE UPLOADED AND SUBMITTED NO LATER THAN 5:00 PM ON THE SPECIFIED POSTING DEADLINE.
Position: Child Nutrition Elementary Kitchen Lead
Position Purpose: Under the direction of the Director of Child Nutrition & the Elementary Field Supervisor, the elementary kitchen lead is responsible for daily food production & leadership functions in their assigned kitchen. The kitchen lead ensures that the kitchen operates professionally, is adequately staffed, and fulfills the staff, student, & district expectations. This position maintains and oversees the daily operation of the district's Child Nutrition Program to ensure customer satisfaction while maintaining high standards of food safety and sanitation.
Schedule: 8.0 hrs/day - 5 days/wk - 40 wks/year - Full Time Position
Essential Job Functions:
  • Maintain the kitchen and equipment to meet Health Department requirements.
  • Willingness of State and Federal reimbursable meal requirements.
  • Responsible for daily State and Federal meal reporting requirements.
  • Train staff on new requirements, as needed.
  • Provide evaluation input for assigned staff.
  • Participate in all CNS meetings and conferences, as required.
  • Work banquets and/or special events in your building.
  • Perform any other related duties as assigned by the Director of Child Nutrition Services or his/her designee.
  • Regular, reliable and punctual attendance
Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.
Equipment:
  • Use standard office equipment, such as computers and copiers.
  • Use standard commercial grade food preparation equipment.

Travel Requirements: Travel between schools, or between schools and central offices, may be required for certain positions.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Excellent writing and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to take initiative and responsibility for work and work areas.
  • Ability to be a team player.
  • Ability to produce quality work.
  • Ability to work well under pressure.
  • Ability to meet deadlines.
  • Ability to complete GFS online food ordering.
  • Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form.
  • Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide, and perform arithmetic operations as needed.
  • Ability to understand, apply and use technology and software applications (e.g., Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Calendar, Drive, etc).
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality of information regarding students, employees, and others.
  • Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff and others contacted in the course of work.
  • Ability to report work orally or in writing to supervisor as required.
  • Ability to work in an economically, culturally and racially diverse environment.

Qualifications:
  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • Minimum of 1 year of supervisory experience in a professional kitchen setting preferred.
  • In lieu of 1 year supervisory experience, the candidate must have a very good work history with an excellent attendance record in previous assignments and have successful job performance as evidenced through past/recent supervisor evaluations.
  • Experience in the preparation of large quantities of food.
  • Ability to lift 50 pounds.
  • Current ServSafe Certificate & ServSafe Allergen Certification or ability to obtain within 6 months of employment.
  • Civil Rights Training Certificate or ability to obtain within the first 60 days of employment.
  • Must meet annual minimum Federal required training hours for School Nutrition Manager (10 Hours).
  • Full knowledge of all breakfast/lunch components and what equals a reimbursable meal per the USDA standards is preferred.
  • Previous work experience in the food service industry. K-12 experience preferred.
  • Knowledge of state guidelines and regulations for food preparation.
  • Previous experience with cash registers and point-of-sale systems.
  • Experience with the receiving and inventorying of food orders from vendors.
  • Previous experience with inventory procedures and maintaining kitchen supplies.
Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards:
  • Ada Requirements: The physical demands, work environment factors, and mental functions described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, talk, hear (in a quiet or noisy environment), taste and smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust/focus.
  • Work Environment: The noise level in the work environment is usually loud to moderate.
  • Mental Functions: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to compare, analyze, communicate both orally and in writing, copy, coordinate, instruct, compute, synthesize, evaluate, use interpersonal skills, compile and negotiate.
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
APPLICATIONS:
SUBMIT AN APPLICATION, INDIVIDUAL COVER LETTER AND RESUME THROUGH THE ONLINE APPLITRACK APPLICANT CENTER, NO HARD COPY APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED VIA MAIL OR HAND DELIVERY.
ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS MUST BE UPLOADED AND SUBMITTED NO LATER THAN 5:00 PM ON THE SPECIFIED POSTING DEADLINE.
Visit the district website: Click kentwoodps/employment.org
Kentwood Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status in its employment decisions or the provision of services.