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Food Helper Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

Portola Valley, CA

$26/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: ALASKA AIRLINES LOUNGE - SFO - 72550001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview ...

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

Portola Valley, CA · On-site

$26/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: ALASKA AIRLINES LOUNGE - SFO - 72550001 Workdays/shifts: Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview ...

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

San Francisco, CA

$24 - $25/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: BRITISH AIRWAYS LOUNGE - SFO - 30193001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview ...

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

San Francisco, CA

$26/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: ALASKA AIRLINES LOUNGE - SFO - 72550001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview ...

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

Portola Valley, CA

$26/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: ALASKA AIRLINES LOUNGE - SFO - 72550001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview ...

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

Fullerton, CA · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: FULLERTON COLLEGE - 24325001 Workdays/shifts: Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process.

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: UNITED CLUB - SNA - 70141001 Workdays/shifts: ANY SHIFT (OPEN AVAILABILITY). More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type: Full-time Pay ...

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

Fullerton, CA · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: FULLERTON COLLEGE - 24325001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process.

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

San Francisco, CA

$24 - $25/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: BRITISH AIRWAYS LOUNGE - SFO - 30193001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview ...

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

Santa Ana, CA

$20/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: UNITED CLUB - SNA - 70141001 Workdays/shifts : ANY SHIFT (OPEN AVAILABILITY). More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type: Full-time Pay ...

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$24 - $25/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: BRITISH AIRWAYS LOUNGE - SFO - 30193001 Workdays/shifts: Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview ...

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

Fullerton, CA · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: FULLERTON COLLEGE - 24325001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process.

Sodexo Live!

Food Prep Helper

Los Angeles, CA

$20 - $24/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: HOLLYWOOD BOWL AMPHITHEATRE - 91389001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview ...

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

Santa Ana, CA

$20/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: UNITED CLUB - SNA - 70141001 Workdays/shifts : ANY SHIFT (OPEN AVAILABILITY). More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type: Full-time Pay ...

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

Los Angeles, CA

$20 - $24/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: HOLLYWOOD BOWL AMPHITHEATRE - 91389001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview ...

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

San Francisco, CA

$24 - $25/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: BRITISH AIRWAYS LOUNGE - SFO - 30193001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview ...

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: HOLLYWOOD BOWL AMPHITHEATRE - 91389001 Workdays/shifts: Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process.

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

Santa Ana, CA

$20/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: UNITED CLUB - SNA - 70141001 Workdays/shifts : ANY SHIFT (OPENAVAILABILITY). More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type: Full-time Pay ...

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

San Diego, CA · On-site

$22.75/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: AIRPORT DIMENSIONS-SAPPHIRE LOUNGE BY THE CLUB - 30219001 Workdays/shifts : ANY SHIFT (OPENAVAILABILITY). More details will be provided during the interview process.

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

San Diego, CA

$22.75/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: AIRPORT DIMENSIONS-SAPPHIRE LOUNGE BY THE CLUB - 30219001 Workdays/shifts : ANY SHIFT (OPEN AVAILABILITY). More details will be provided during the interview process.

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All JobsFood Helper JobsFood Helper Jobs in California

Food Helper information

See California salary details

$7

$15

$21

How much do food helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for food helper in California is $15.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.99 and $17.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food helper?

A food helper is a worker who assists in food service environments by preparing ingredients, cleaning, setting up dining areas, and supporting kitchen staff. The role often requires basic food safety knowledge and good communication skills, and may involve working flexible hours in restaurants, cafeterias, or catering settings.

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

To thrive as a Food Helper, you need basic knowledge of food handling, safety regulations, and the ability to follow instructions, often requiring a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment and food service tools, as well as completion of food safety certification, is typically expected. Attention to detail, teamwork, and a strong work ethic are crucial soft skills for effectively supporting kitchen operations. These skills help ensure safe, efficient food preparation and maintain high standards of cleanliness and service in food environments.

What is the difference between Food Helper vs Kitchen Assistant?

AspectFood HelperKitchen Assistant
Required CredentialsNone or basic food safety trainingSimilar, often includes food safety certification
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, cafeterias, cateringRestaurants, hotels, catering services
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in food service industryWidely used in hospitality and food industry
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with food prep, cleaning, stockingSupporting kitchen staff, cleaning, prep work

Food Helper and Kitchen Assistant roles are similar, often overlapping in responsibilities like food prep and cleaning. The main difference lies in terminology and specific employer preferences. Both positions require basic food safety knowledge and are essential in food service environments to support kitchen operations efficiently.

What job pays you to eat food?

A food tester or taste tester is a job that involves sampling food products to evaluate flavor, quality, and safety. These roles often require good taste sensitivity, attention to detail, and sometimes food safety certifications. Food testers are typically employed by food companies, restaurants, or quality assurance firms.

Why is Gen Z struggling to get jobs?

Gen Z job seekers often face challenges such as limited work experience, high competition, and employers' preference for candidates with more established skills. For entry-level roles like food helpers, having basic customer service skills and a flexible schedule can improve chances of employment. Additionally, economic factors and changing labor market demands influence their ability to find jobs.

What are Food Helpers?

Food Helpers are individuals who assist in preparing, serving, and distributing food in settings such as schools, hospitals, cafeterias, and community centers. Their responsibilities often include preparing ingredients, setting up food service areas, serving meals, cleaning up after meals, and ensuring food safety standards are met. Food Helpers play a vital role in supporting kitchen staff and ensuring the smooth operation of food service programs. Their work helps maintain healthy and sanitary conditions for all those who receive meals.

What are some common challenges faced by Food Helpers in a busy kitchen environment?

Food Helpers often work in fast-paced settings where multitasking and time management are crucial. Common challenges include managing multiple food prep tasks under strict deadlines, maintaining cleanliness and food safety standards during peak hours, and effectively communicating with cooks, servers, and other staff members. Adapting quickly to changing priorities and being able to handle physical demands, such as standing for long periods and lifting supplies, are also important aspects of the role. Developing strong teamwork skills can help Food Helpers overcome these challenges and contribute to a smooth kitchen operation.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

For a Food Helper, earning $4,000 a week without a degree is uncommon, as most roles in food service pay hourly wages that typically do not reach that level. High earnings in food-related jobs usually require extensive experience, management positions, or working in specialized areas like catering or food consulting. Alternative high-paying jobs without a degree include sales, real estate, or skilled trades such as plumbing or electrical work, which may offer substantial weekly income with experience and certifications.
What are the most commonly searched types of Food jobs in California? The most popular types of Food jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Food Helper jobs? Cities in California with the most Food Helper job openings:
Food Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Helper job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,293 per year, or $15.5 per hour.
Food Prep Helper

Food Prep Helper

Sodexo

Portola Valley, CA

$26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

Sodexo rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,129 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

343rd of 488 rated business services

Job description

Food Prep Helper


Location: ALASKA AIRLINES LOUNGE - SFO - 72550001

Workdays/shifts: Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process.

Employment Type: Full-time

Pay Range: $26 per hour - $26 per hour


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 menus and 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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