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Food Handler Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Riverside

Food service associate

Nassawadox, VA

$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 ...

Sentara Healthcare

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 ...

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All JobsFood Handler JobsFood Handler Jobs in Virginia

Food Handler information

See Virginia salary details

$9

$17

$24

How much do food handler jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 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 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 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.
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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:

Food Handler jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Handler job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 1% Contract. 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.

Richmond, VA

$14.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Healthcare Services Group rating

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 479 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

232nd of 253 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!

Pay RateStarting from USD $14.50/Hr.Available Benefits for All Employees
  • Free Telemedicine*
  • Free Prescription Discount Program
  • Free Employee Assistance Programs
  • Get paid when you need it with PNC EarnedIt
  • Financial Wellness Support from PNC Workplace Banking
  • Hands-on-Training & Support
  • Career Development

Additional benefits may vary by location and eligibility. Additional benefits may include vacation, holiday, and sick pay, as well as medical, dental, vision, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, and other voluntary insurance products. Ask your interviewer for details. 

Benefits Link

Click here for more benefits information

or copy this link: https://go-internal.hcsgcorp.com/l/1036773/2025-07-02/5xbpsq/1036773/17514637576MrQym5A/Employee_Benefits_for_Job_Descriptions__7_.pdf

*Not available in AR.

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!

Additional Pay Information

Offered hourly rates for this position are determined based on applicant qualifications, experience, education, and the specific needs, aspects, operational considerations, and requirements of the facility serviced.

EEO Statement

HCSG is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We encourage employees to bring their authentic, original, and best selves to work for a culturally inclusive team. We offer equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, ethnicity, pregnancy status, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, political opinions or affiliations, veteran status, or other legally protected classes. HCSG also complies with applicable state and local laws and federal law requirements that govern nondiscrimination in every location where we operate.

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 requiredReady 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!Education:FlexibleEmployment Type: OTHER

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