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Food Helper Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

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Food Helper information

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How much do food helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for food helper in Minnesota is $15.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.89 and $16.97 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 Minnesota? The most popular types of Food jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Food Helper jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Food Helper job openings:
Infographic showing various Food Helper job openings in Minnesota as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,048 per year, or $15.4 per hour.

Food and Nutrition Services Helper

Austin Minnesota Public School District #492

Austin, MN • On-site

$19.96/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Position Type:
Food & Nutrition Services/Food & Nutrition Service Helper
Date Posted:
7/22/2026
Location:
Austin High School
Austin Public School District is seeking to hire a Food Service Helper at Austin High School
Food & Nutrition Services Helper
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 3.75 hours per day on school days
Performance Responsibilities:
The Food Service helper is responsible for performing routine food service activities such as serving, cleaning, setting up for meals, cooking, cashiering, prep work, and other duties as assigned. This is a fast paced and high volume kitchen.
Candidate selected must successfully complete a pre-employment physical and be eligible for employment in an educational institution.
Reports To: Director of Food & Nutrition Services
Salary/Benefits: $19.96 per hour
Salary: The salary range for the position is outlined on pages 32 of the Food Service Working Agreement:
FoodServiceWorkingAgreement.pdf
Benefits: A competitive benefits package of paid time off, health insurance, life insurance, etc., according to the Food Service Working Agreement.
Benefits information is outlined on page 14-16 of this agreement:
FoodServiceWorkingAgreement.pdf
Commitment to Equity:
Austin Public Schools is committed to diversifying its workforce to better reflect the community we serve. We believe the practices used in recruiting, interviewing, hiring, supporting, and promoting staff must include and honor, at every level, those who represent the diverse identities of our schools and community.
Common and Shared Accountabilities for All Positions
Employees of Austin Public Schools are expected to support the strategic plan. Our mission at Austin Public Schools is to Inspire, Empower, and Accelerate. Our vision is to prepare all learners to make a difference in the world. All employees are to model and promote an environment that is respectful for all, and work collaboratively with other staff to focus on the needs of the learner. A quality, customer focus that conveys a welcome attitude, an adaptability to change, and a desire for continuous improvement is also expected of all employees. In addition, staff are to respect confidential matters, encourage a safe and secure environment throughout the schools, and be dependable and accountable employees. The strategic plan can be found on our website.https://www.austin.k12.mn.us/district-offices/school-board/strategic-plan.
Application Procedure: Apply online at Employment - Austin Public Schools | Inspire. Empower. Accelerate.
As Equal Opportunity Employer, Austin Public Schools is committed to creating an inclusive environment that values the diversity of its employees and does not discriminate against any employee or candidate based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation, age, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, familial status or membership or activity in a local commission. The school district strongly encourages anyone interested to apply to join our teams. Reasonable accommodations to access job openings or to apply for a job are available.