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Food Helper Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Mankato Area Public Schools

Cook Helper

Mankato, MN · On-site

$15.14 - $15.99/hr

Food Service/Cook`s Helper Date Posted: 5/18/2026 Location: Prairie Winds Middle School Closing Date: 5/28/26, or until filled Cook Helper Prairie Winds Middle School Mankato Area Public Schools is ...

Mankato Area Public Schools

Cook Helper

Mankato, MN · On-site

$15.14 - $17.16/hr

Food Service/Cook`s Helper Date Posted: 6/8/2026 Location: East High School Closing Date: 06/18/26, or until filled Cook Helper East High School There is a position available for a Cook Helper at ...

Graphic Packaging International

Press Helper

Hamel, MN · On-site

$16.25 - $21.25/hr

... food, beverage, foodservice, household, personal care and pet products. Headquartered in Atlanta ... Backs up Press Helper as required * Learns all aspects of press operations * Ensures that product ...

Graphic Packaging Holding

Press Helper

Hamel, MN

$16.25 - $21.25/hr

... food, beverage, foodservice, household, personal care and pet products. Headquartered in Atlanta ... Backs up Press Helper as required * Learns all aspects of press operations * Ensures that product ...

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Food Helper information

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How much do food helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 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:
Food Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Helper job openings in Minnesota as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, and 34% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,048 per year, or $15.4 per hour.

Substitute Food Service Kitchen Helper

Cook County ISD 166

Grand Marais, MN • On-site

$19.33/hr

Other

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Substitute Food Service Kitchen Helper
Position Function:
Under the direct supervision of the Food Service Specialist, performs general meal prep, serving, dish washing, and cleanup duties for school breakfasts and lunches when Food Service staff are absent. 
Essential Functions:
  • Assists with meal preparation.
  • Dishwashing duties.
  • Wipes and cleans lunch tables.
Additional Duties:              
  • Assist with Point of Sale duties when needed due to absences.
  • Light cleaning of lunchroom area.
  • Performs other related tasks as assigned by supervisor.
      Note:  The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities.  It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.
Equipment
Use of commercial dishwasher, disposal, and kitchen appliances/tools. 
Safety Requirements
Follows all applicable safety rules, procedures and regulations governing the proper use of tools and power equipment used in the performance of duties.
Wears appropriate safety gear, including required hair covering.
Must be able to lift and carry up to 30 pounds.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Ability to follow oral or written work orders from supervisor, and to help coordinate kitchen responsibilities.
  • Ability to read, write and speak English fluently.
  • Ability to describe orally or in writing cleaning, maintenance or repair problems as needed.
  • Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff and others contacted in the course of work.
  • Ability to perform work according to standard procedures and schedule set forth by supervisor(s).
Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards
  • Works in commercial kitchen and school building environments.
  • Exposure to kitchen chemicals and solvents.
Qualifications Profile:
  • High School Diploma or completion of sufficient education to successfully perform the duties of the position.
  • Previous experience in food service preferred
  • "Safe Serve" certification preferred 
  • MN Motor Vehicle Operator's license or ability to provide own transportation.

FLSA Status & Compensation:                       Non-exempt, $19.33 

















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