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Cooking Helper Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Food Prep Helper Location: LIBERTY UNIVERSITY - 10700015 Workdays/shifts : Mornings - varying days ... May have basic cooking responsibilities, i.e., cook vegetables, chicken for salads. * Attends work ...

Food Prep Helper

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$13.75 - $15/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: LIBERTY UNIVERSITY - 10700020 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days ... May have basic cooking responsibilities, i.e., cook vegetables, chicken for salads. * Attends work ...

Food Prep Helper

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$13.75 - $15/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: LIBERTY UNIVERSITY - 10700020 Workdays/shifts: Varying shifts, days ... May have basic cooking responsibilities, i.e., cook vegetables, chicken for salads. * Attends work ...

Food Prep Helper

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$13.75 - $15/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: LIBERTY UNIVERSITY - 10700020 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days ... May have basic cooking responsibilities, i.e., cook vegetables, chicken for salads. * Attends work ...

Food Prep Helper

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $17/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: DOLLAR TREE UPA, CHESAPEAKE - 31175001 Workdays/shifts : WEEKDAYS ONLY ... May have basic cooking responsibilities, i.e., cook vegetables, chicken for salads. * Attends work ...

We are looking for someone to work as a team player, follow instructions, and help us delight our customers with delicious food from our menu. In addition to cooking prowess, great communication and ...

Cook

Bedford, VA

$11.75 - $15.75/hr

We are looking for someone to work as a team player, follow instructions, and help us delight our customers with delicious food from our menu. In addition to cooking prowess, great communication and ...

Cook

South Hill, VA · On-site

$16/hr

... to help you do what you love. Get ready to reach new heights, ignite your passion, and pursue what matters by cooking with us! While working here, you will enjoy: Employee Engagement Activities ...

Cook

Nassawadox, VA · On-site

$16/hr

... in place to help you do what you love. Get ready to reach new heights, ignite your passion, and pursue what matters by cooking with us! Job Responsibilities • Essential functions and ...

Cook

South Hill, VA

$13.50 - $18/hr

... to help you do what you love. Get ready to reach new heights, ignite your passion, and pursue what matters by cooking with us! While working here, you will enjoy: Employee Engagement Activities ...

Cook

South Hill, VA

$13.50 - $18/hr

... to help you do what you love. Get ready to reach new heights, ignite your passion, and pursue what matters by cooking with us! While working here, you will enjoy: Employee Engagement Activities ...

Cook

Stanardsville, VA · On-site

$16/hr

... in place to help you do what you love. Get ready to reach new heights, ignite your passion, and pursue what matters by cooking with us! Job Responsibilities • Essential functions and ...

Cook

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

... in place to help you do what you love. Get ready to reach new heights, ignite your passion, and pursue what matters by cooking with us! Job Responsibilities • Essential functions and ...

Cook

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$16/hr

... in place to help you do what you love. Get ready to reach new heights, ignite your passion, and pursue what matters by cooking with us! Job Responsibilities • Essential functions and ...

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Cooking Helper information

What are Cooking Helpers?

Cooking Helpers are kitchen staff who assist chefs and cooks by performing basic food preparation tasks, such as washing, peeling, and chopping ingredients, as well as maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen. They often help with setting up workstations, measuring ingredients, and ensuring that all necessary items are available for meal preparation. Cooking Helpers play a vital role in keeping kitchen operations efficient and organized, supporting the culinary team in delivering quality meals.

What is a cook's helper called?

A cook's helper is often called a kitchen assistant or food prep worker. They assist chefs by preparing ingredients, cleaning work areas, and supporting cooking tasks, often working under supervision in a restaurant or food service environment.

How to become a kitchen helper?

To become a kitchen helper, no formal education is usually required, but basic cooking skills and knowledge of food safety are beneficial. Employers often look for reliability, ability to follow instructions, and a willingness to work in a fast-paced environment. Gaining experience through volunteering or entry-level positions can improve chances of employment.

What is the difference between Cooking Helper vs Kitchen Assistant?

AspectCooking HelperKitchen Assistant
Required CredentialsNone typically required, on-the-job training commonNone typically required, on-the-job training common
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering servicesCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering services
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in hospitality and food service industriesCommonly used in hospitality and food service industries
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with food prep, cleaning, basic cooking tasksSupporting kitchen staff, cleaning, prep work

Both Cooking Helpers and Kitchen Assistants work in similar environments and perform supportive roles in food service. While their responsibilities often overlap, Cooking Helpers typically focus more on assisting with food preparation and basic cooking tasks, whereas Kitchen Assistants may have broader support duties, including cleaning and equipment maintenance. Both roles are entry-level and require minimal formal credentials, making them accessible entry points into the culinary industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cooking Helper, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cooking Helper, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of kitchen safety, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food handling certifications, and basic inventory systems are commonly required. Dependability, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently in a team are valuable soft skills. These skills are important to ensure food is prepared safely and efficiently, supporting kitchen operations and maintaining high standards of hygiene.

What are some common challenges faced by Cooking Helpers in a busy kitchen, and how can they overcome them?

Cooking Helpers often work in fast-paced environments where multitasking and attention to detail are crucial. Common challenges include managing time efficiently, maintaining cleanliness while juggling multiple prep tasks, and communicating clearly with chefs and other team members. To overcome these challenges, it's important to stay organized, ask for clarification when needed, and prioritize tasks based on kitchen needs. Building strong teamwork skills and being adaptable to sudden changes in orders or kitchen workflow will help you succeed and grow in this role.

What does a kitchen helper do?

A kitchen helper assists with basic food preparation, cleaning, and organizing in a kitchen environment. They may wash dishes, chop ingredients, and support cooks to ensure smooth kitchen operations, often working under supervision and following safety standards.

How much is the salary of a kitchen helper?

The salary of a kitchen helper typically ranges from $10 to $15 per hour, depending on the location, experience, and establishment. Some positions may offer additional benefits or opportunities for advancement based on skills and performance.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cooking jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Cooking jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Cooking Helper jobs in Virginia? For Cooking Helper jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cooking Helper jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Cooking Helper jobs in Virginia are:
Infographic showing various Cooking Helper job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 59% Full Time, 39% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution.
Food Prep Helper

Food Prep Helper

Sodexo

Lynchburg, VA • On-site

$15/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Sodexo rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,123 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

312th of 449 rated business services


Job description

Food Prep Helper


Location: LIBERTY UNIVERSITY - 10700015

Workdays/shifts: Mornings - varying days, and some weekends/holidays. More details will be provided during the interview process.

Employment Type: Full-Time or Part-Time

Pay Range: $15 per hour - $15 per hour

University students with restrictions on number of hours they can work, including international students, should apply for open student worker positions at the school they attend. You can search student worker jobs here (https://sodexo.paradox.ai/7nq0G05)


Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it's a chance to be part of something greater because we believe our everyday actions have a big impact. You belong in a company that allows you to act with purpose and thrive in your own way.


What You'll Do:As a Food Prep Helper at Sodexo, you are a pair of helping hands and a good mood motivator. This role includes the preparation and serving of our vibrant menusand ensuring all working areas are kept clean and tidy. Your welcoming customer service puts a smile on people's faces and makes an impact in their everyday lives.


Responsibilities include:

  • Reads recipes and/or product directions and assists in the preparation of hot and/or cold foods using a variety of kitchen utensils/equipment
  • Clean and sanitize work stations and production equipment
  • May have basic cooking responsibilities, i.e., cook vegetables, chicken for salads.
  • Attends work and shows for scheduled shift on time with satisfactory regularity
  • Other duties may be assigned and can differ among accounts, depending on business necessities and client requirements.


What You Bring:

  • Successful candidates will be team-oriented, adaptable, reliable, and nurturers of a healthy/safe working environment for all.
  • 0 -1 year of related experience is beneficial


Link to full Job description


What We Offer:

  • Flexible and supportive work environment, so you can be home for life's important moments.
  • Access to ongoing training/development and advancement opportunities to turn your job into a career
  • Full array of benefits that support you and your family's wellbeing, including paid time off, holidays, medical, dental, vision, tuition reimbursement, 401k, discount programs, and more.
  • In addition to Sodexo's standard, some locations may offer additional site-specific benefits, including free "shift" meals (and/or allowances/per diems), uniforms, safety shoes, public transportation support and/or parking.


Link to benefits summary


Overall, Sodexo strives to offer comprehensive summaries of our benefits packages and detailed descriptions of the positions candidates are applying for. However, due to the contractual nature of our business, some job duties and employee benefits may vary based on the unit/work location. We encourage you to discuss any questions about Sodexo's benefit offerings during the interview process.


Who we are:

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.


Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you're happy at work. This is why we embrace culture and belonging as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Should you need assistance with the online application process, please complete this form.




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