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Food Prep Assistant Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

... prep Ability to get others motivated to complete tasks and meet goals Knowledgeable on food safety and sanitation Lift up to 50lbs, walk/stand up to 8-10 hours per day * Some weekend and holiday ...

Assistant Food Manager

Cambridge, MN · On-site

$17.50 - $23.79/hr

Assistant Food Manager Kwik Trip is seeking energetic, outgoing, and positive people to make a ... and food prep • Ability to get others motivated to complete tasks and meet goals • ...

Assistant Food Manager

Andover, MN · On-site

$17.50 - $23.79/hr

Assistant Food Manager Kwik Trip is seeking energetic, outgoing, and positive people to make a ... and food prep • Ability to get others motivated to complete tasks and meet goals • ...

Assistant Food Manager

Red Wing, MN · On-site

$17 - $23.79/hr

Assistant Food Manager Kwik Trip is seeking energetic, outgoing, and positive people to make a ... and food prep • Ability to get others motivated to complete tasks and meet goals • ...

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Food Prep Assistant information

See Minnesota salary details

$9

$15

$19

How much do food prep assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for food prep assistant in Minnesota is $15.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.12 and $16.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food prep assistant?

Food Prep Assistants are entry-level workers in kitchens who help chefs and cooks by preparing ingredients, maintaining cleanliness, and organizing supplies. Their tasks often include washing, chopping, and measuring food items, as well as ensuring workstations are sanitary. They play a vital role in keeping kitchen operations running smoothly and efficiently, especially during busy periods. This position is a common starting point for those interested in advancing to more skilled culinary roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food prep assistant?

To thrive as a Food Prep Assistant, you need basic food handling knowledge, attention to detail, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food safety protocols, and sometimes a food handler’s certification are important technical requirements. Strong teamwork, time management, and the ability to follow instructions precisely are standout soft skills in this role. These skills are crucial to maintaining kitchen efficiency, ensuring food safety, and supporting smooth meal preparation in a fast-paced environment.

What are some common challenges faced by food prep assistants in a fast-paced kitchen environment?

Food Prep Assistants often encounter challenges such as maintaining speed and accuracy during busy meal periods, adhering to strict hygiene and safety standards, and efficiently managing multiple prep tasks simultaneously. Adapting to last-minute menu changes and effectively communicating with chefs and other kitchen staff are also key to ensuring smooth kitchen operations. Developing strong organizational skills and staying calm under pressure can help overcome these common challenges and contribute to a positive team dynamic.

What is the difference between Food Prep Assistant vs Kitchen Helper?

AspectFood Prep AssistantKitchen Helper
CredentialsNone required or basic food safety certificationsNone required
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, cateringRestaurants, cafeterias, catering
Job DutiesPreparing ingredients, assembling dishes, basic food prepAssisting with cleaning, basic prep, support tasks

Food Prep Assistants focus on preparing ingredients and assembling dishes in professional kitchens, often requiring basic food safety knowledge. Kitchen Helpers typically perform support tasks like cleaning and basic prep, with less emphasis on food preparation. While both roles work in similar environments, Food Prep Assistants have more specialized responsibilities related to food preparation.

How to become a food prep assistant?

To become a food prep assistant, typically you need a high school diploma or equivalent and basic cooking or food handling skills. On-the-job training is common, and knowledge of food safety standards and proper sanitation is important. Some employers may prefer previous experience in food service or culinary skills.

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Prep jobs in Minnesota?

The most popular types of Food Prep jobs in Minnesota are:

What are popular job titles related to Food Prep Assistant jobs in Minnesota?

For Food Prep Assistant jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Prep Assistant jobs in Minnesota look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Prep Assistant jobs in Minnesota are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Food Prep Assistant jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Food Prep Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Food Prep Assistant job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,206 per year, or $15 per hour.

Food Prep Assistant 5 hrs/day District Wide

Minnesota Service Cooperatives

Fergus Falls, MN • On-site

$18.40/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Position:
  Food Prep Assistant 
Location:
  District Wide
Effective Date:
   asap
Hours:
  5 hours per day (approximately 8:15am - 1:15pm)
  5 days per week
  10 months
Salary:
  Class II ranging from $18.40 - $ 21.85 per hour
Benefits:
  Due to the hours of this assignment it is not benefit eligible.
Responsibilities:



















  • Works collaboratively with the manager on all aspects of preparation, service, sanitation, recording of meals and clean up
  • Understands MN Food Code and USDA Guidelines for School Nutrition
  • Competently performs food prep including all equipment in the kitchen including kettles, steamers, mixers, ovens and choppers as assigned
  • Accurately and competently executes functions involving point of sale, cash handling and computer programs
  • Consistently works well with others displaying honesty, courtesy, compassion and helpfulness
  • Exhibits behavior which is not detrimental to the team, program or district at work and in the public
  • Maintains dependable attendance
  • Respectfully follows directives of supervisors
  • Maintains good communication to facilitate seamless service
  • Actively participates in contributing towards program improvements
  • Consistently adheres to District rules and policies
  • Keep written documentation of food items used/temperatures
  • Promotes participation through customer service delivery that is welcoming, encouraging and supportive
  • Performs heavy cleaning and inventory of food service area and equipment including dish machine
  • Other duties as assigned

Essential Functions:

  • Lifting up to 38 pounds
  • Lifting and twisting
  • Repetitive motion often required
  • Able to work on feet for long periods of time or scheduled shift
  • Working in a noisy environment
  • Be visually alert to student conduct and potential hazards

Preferred Qualifications:

  • School Food Service experience
  • Good customer service skills with students, parents and staff
  • Serve Safe class within last 3 years or 30 days of start date
  • SNA Certification Level 1

Benefits:
This position is eligible for part time benefits. Please see our benefits offerings on our website here: https://www.bloomington.k12.mn.us/human-resources/benefits-and-insurance

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  Until Filled
Submit online application, cover letter, and resume by clicking on the "Apply" button in the top right




Minnesota Service Cooperatives logo

About Minnesota Service Cooperatives

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Minnesota Service Cooperatives (MSC) is a distinguished organization based in Saint Paul, MN, US, committed to serving the public sector across the state. Operating on the larger sphere of public sector services, MSC's core operations revolve around administering cooperative procurement, education, health, and risk management services for its members. Carrying a remarkable heritage originating from a statutory establishment in 1976, they are divided into seven geographical areas to distinctively serve cities, counties, schools and non-profit entities.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Paul, MN, US