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Food Handler Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Food service associate

Nassawadox, VA · On-site

$15 - $19.50/hr

Food Handlers Card (FH) - VA State - ANSI-approved Food Handlers certificate program within 30 Days(Required) or * Food Protection Manager - VA State - ANSI approved Food Protection Manager ...

Food Service Worker - Flexi

Suffolk, VA · On-site

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

Food Handler Certificate (Required) Experience * One year of food service experience (Preferred) * One year of customer service experience (Preferred) Benefits: Caring For Your Family and Your Career ...

Food Champion

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$11.50 - $15/hr

Food handler's certificate according to state or local requirements * Reliable transportation * Good communication skills * Must pass background check criteria * Safety-focused, punctual, team ...

Food Champion

Kilmarnock, VA · On-site

$12.25 - $16/hr

Food handler's certificate according to state or local requirements * Reliable transportation * Good communication skills * Must pass background check criteria * Safety-focused, punctual, team ...

Food Champion

Hampton, VA · On-site

$11.25 - $14.50/hr

Food handler's certificate according to state or local requirements * Reliable transportation * Good communication skills * Must pass background check criteria * Safety-focused, punctual, team ...

Food Champion

Grafton, VA · On-site

$11.25 - $14.50/hr

Food handler's certificate according to state or local requirements * Reliable transportation * Good communication skills * Must pass background check criteria * Safety-focused, punctual, team ...

Food Champion

Newport News, VA · On-site

$11.50 - $14.75/hr

Food handler's certificate according to state or local requirements * Reliable transportation * Good communication skills * Must pass background check criteria * Safety-focused, punctual, team ...

Food Champion

Newport News, VA · On-site

$11.50 - $15/hr

Food handler's certificate according to state or local requirements * Reliable transportation * Good communication skills * Must pass background check criteria * Safety-focused, punctual, team ...

Food Champion

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$12.50 - $16/hr

Food handler's certificate according to state or local requirements * Reliable transportation * Good communication skills * Must pass background check criteria * Safety-focused, punctual, team ...

Food Champion

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$11.50 - $15/hr

Food handler's certificate according to state or local requirements * Reliable transportation * Good communication skills * Must pass background check criteria * Safety-focused, punctual, team ...

Food Champion

Newport News, VA · On-site

$11.50 - $15/hr

Food handler's certificate according to state or local requirements * Reliable transportation * Good communication skills * Must pass background check criteria * Safety-focused, punctual, team ...

Food Champion

Hampton, VA · On-site

$11.25 - $14.50/hr

Food handler's certificate according to state or local requirements * Reliable transportation * Good communication skills * Must pass background check criteria * Safety-focused, punctual, team ...

Food Champion

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$12.50 - $16/hr

Food handler's certificate according to state or local requirements * Reliable transportation * Good communication skills * Must pass background check criteria * Safety-focused, punctual, team ...

Showing results 21-40

Food Handler information

See Virginia salary details

$9

$17

$24

How much do food handler jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for food handler in Virginia is $17.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.72 and $18.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food handler?

Food handlers are individuals who work in environments where they prepare, serve, or handle food, such as restaurants, cafeterias, and food processing facilities. Their responsibilities include following food safety procedures, maintaining cleanliness, and preventing contamination to ensure food is safe for consumption. Food handlers may work as cooks, servers, kitchen staff, or in roles that involve direct contact with food or food preparation surfaces. Many regions require food handlers to complete specific training or obtain a certification to ensure they understand proper hygiene and safety practices.

What are some common challenges food handlers face in maintaining food safety standards, and how can they overcome them?

Food handlers often encounter challenges such as keeping up with strict hygiene protocols during busy periods, preventing cross-contamination, and consistently monitoring food temperatures. Overcoming these challenges requires diligent handwashing, proper use of gloves, thorough cleaning of surfaces, and regular training on updated food safety guidelines. Effective communication within the team and using checklists or digital systems can also help ensure standards are met even during high-pressure times.

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

To thrive as a Food Handler, you need basic food safety knowledge, attention to cleanliness, and often a food handler’s permit or certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, safe food storage systems, and compliance with local health regulations is typically required. Reliability, teamwork, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities ensure food is prepared safely, prevent contamination, and support a healthy, efficient work environment.

What is the difference between Food Handler vs Food Service Worker?

AspectFood HandlerFood Service Worker
CertificationsTypically requires a food safety certificationMay or may not require certification, depending on role
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, cafeterias, food processing facilitiesRestaurants, cafeterias, fast food outlets
Job ResponsibilitiesHandling, preparing, and serving food while following safety protocolsAssisting with food service, customer service, and basic food prep

Food handlers focus on food safety and proper handling, often requiring certification, while food service workers perform broader roles including customer service and basic food prep. Both roles are common in food service environments but differ mainly in responsibilities and certification requirements.

What are popular job titles related to Food Handler jobs in Virginia?

For Food Handler jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Handler jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Handler jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Food Handler jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Food Handler job openings:

Infographic showing various Food Handler job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, and 27% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,053 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Food Service Worker/Kitchen Helper/Dietary Aide

Healthcare Services Group, Inc.

Louisa, VA

$13.75/hr

Part-time

Posted 18 days ago


Healthcare Services Group rating

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 486 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

231st of 258 rated facilities management


Job description

Overview

Role: Food Service Worker 

Join Healthcare Services Group (HCSG) as a Food Service Worker/Kitchen Helper/Dietary Aide, where you will assist in preparing and serving meals for residents in a long-term care facility. At HCSG, we are passionate about positively impacting the communities we serve. If you share our commitment to excellence and enhancing customer and resident experiences, join us and make a difference!


Responsibilities

  • Assist with food preparation, including chopping vegetables and preparing salads.
  • Serve meals to residents according to dietary needs and portion sizes.
  • Clean and sanitize kitchen equipment, utensils, and dining areas.
  • Follow food safety and sanitation guidelines.
  • Interact positively with residents, staff, and guests, providing excellent customer service.
  • All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
  • Previous experience in food service or kitchen environment is preferred but not required.
  • Ability to follow instructions and work as part of a team.
  • Maintain a positive attitude and effectively communicate with building occupants, administration, and HCSG leadership to perform daily tasks.
  • Compliance with COVID-19 vaccination policies
  • Must be able to lift/carry a maximum of 30 pounds, push/pull a maximum of 50 pounds, stand, sit, bend and walk for extended periods. 
  • Must be able to perform routine, repetitive tasks continuously.
  • Must be able to work around food and cleaning products.
  • Current ServSafe or Food Handler certification is required based on State / County law. 
  • Residency within the service area required

Ready to Join Us?

If you're looking for a role where you can contribute to providing nutritious meals and be part of a supportive and dedicated team, apply now and start making a difference at HCSG!


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