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Food Prep Associate Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

Gordon Food Service

Part Time Store Associate

Aurora, IL · On-site

$15/hr

As a Part Time Store Associate you bring fun into our store! No 2 days are ever the same - a great ... Must be able/willing to perform all store functions (Stocking, Cashier, Food Prep, Etc.) BE PART OF ...

Chicago Public Schools

Associate Lunchroom Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$14.50 - $18.75/hr

... food prep, sanitation, safety and general housekeeping topics; forecasting production needs and ... Associate Lunchroom Manager III equivalent combination of related training and experience. Must ...

HelloFresh

Kitchen Associate

Aurora, IL

$19/hr

Kitchen Associate Factor_ a brand of HelloFresh is seeking a Kitchen Associate. Team Members are ... Perform cold food prep (chopping, slicing, portioning) * Portion ingredients into individual food ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY

Chicago, IL · On-site

$21.50/hr

Washes worktables, walls, refrigerators, meat blocks and other food prep surfaces. * Removes trash ... Associates at Eurest are offered many fantastic benefits. Full-time and part-time positions offer ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small ... Washes worktables, walls, refrigerators, meat blocks and other food prep surfaces. * Removes trash ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.05/hr

We asked some of our associates why they love working for Touchpoint. Click here to see what they ... Washes worktables, walls, refrigerators, meat blocks and other food prep surfaces. * Removes trash ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY

Elk Grove Village, IL · On-site

$18/hr

We asked some of our associates why they love working for Touchpoint. Click here to see what they ... Washes worktables, walls, refrigerators, meat blocks and other food prep surfaces. * Removes trash ...

The Cheesecake Factory

Prep Cook

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $21/hr

... in food preparation, attention to detail, and consistency. Our Prep Cooks are passionate team ... No cost GED or Associate Degree programs Perks, Recognition & Community * Perks and discounts ...

The Cheesecake Factory

Prep Cook

Naperville, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $21.50/hr

... in food preparation, attention to detail, and consistency. Our Prep Cooks are passionate team ... No cost GED or Associate Degree programs Perks, Recognition & Community * Perks and discounts ...

The Cheesecake Factory

Prep Cook

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $21/hr

... in food preparation, attention to detail, and consistency. Our Prep Cooks are passionate team ... No cost GED or Associate Degree programs Perks, Recognition & Community * Perks and discounts ...

Eurest

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY (FULL TIME)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$21.50/hr

Washes worktables, walls, refrigerators, meat blocks and other food prep surfaces. * Removes trash ... Associates at Eurest are offered many fantastic benefits. Full-time and part-time positions offer ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY (FULL TIME)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$21.50/hr

Washes worktables, walls, refrigerators, meat blocks and other food prep surfaces. * Removes trash ... Associates at Eurest are offered many fantastic benefits. Full-time and part-time positions offer ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY (FULL TIME)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$21.50/hr

Washes worktables, walls, refrigerators, meat blocks and other food prep surfaces. * Removes trash ... Associates at Eurest are offered many fantastic benefits. Full-time and part-time positions offer ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY

Northlake, IL · On-site

$16/hr

We asked some of our associates why they love working for Touchpoint. Click here to see what they ... Washes worktables, walls, refrigerators, meat blocks and other food prep surfaces. * Removes trash ...

Gordon Food Service

Part Time Store Associate

Aurora, IL · On-site

$15/hr

As a Part Time Store Associate you bring fun into our store! No 2 days are ever the same - a great ... Must be able/willing to perform all store functions (Stocking, Cashier, Food Prep, Etc.) BE PART OF ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY (PART TIME)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.05/hr

We asked some of our associates why they love working for Touchpoint. Click here to see what they ... Washes worktables, walls, refrigerators, meat blocks and other food prep surfaces. * Removes trash ...

Chick-fil-A

Kitchen Team Member 1st Shift

Elmhurst, IL · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

... food prep, chef, kitchen, host, hostess, dining room, maintenance, cleaner, dish, dishwasher, guest services, shift, supervisor leader, hospitality, professional, associate, crew, team member, food ...

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All JobsFood Prep Associate JobsFood Prep Associate Jobs in Elgin, IL

Food Prep Associate information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$9

$15

$20

How much do food prep associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for food prep associate in Elgin, IL is $15.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.32 and $17.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food prep associate?

Food Prep Associates are workers responsible for preparing ingredients and assisting with basic cooking tasks in restaurants, cafeterias, or other food service establishments. Their duties often include washing, chopping, and measuring ingredients, maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen, and following food safety procedures. They support chefs and cooks to ensure efficient meal preparation and service. This role is essential for keeping kitchen operations running smoothly and safely.

What are some common challenges food prep associates face during busy meal times?

Food Prep Associates often experience high-pressure situations during peak meal times, such as lunch and dinner rushes. Managing time efficiently, keeping workstations organized, and maintaining food safety standards can be challenging when orders are coming in quickly. Effective communication with kitchen staff and front-of-house teams is crucial to ensure orders are accurate and timely. Adapting to changing priorities and staying calm under pressure are essential skills for success in this fast-paced environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food prep associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Prep Associate, you need basic culinary skills, knowledge of food safety, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food handling certifications (like ServSafe), and inventory systems is often required. Attention to detail, time management, teamwork, and a positive attitude are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure efficient, safe, and high-quality food preparation in a fast-paced environment, directly impacting customer satisfaction and operational success.

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

AspectFood Prep AssociateKitchen Helper
ResponsibilitiesPreparing ingredients, assembling dishes, following recipesAssisting with basic kitchen tasks, cleaning, and supporting cooks
CredentialsHigh school diploma often preferred; food safety certificationsMinimal formal credentials; on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering servicesSimilar settings, often in fast-paced kitchens
Industry UsageCommonly used in restaurants and food serviceOften used interchangeably with Food Prep Associate in entry-level roles

While both roles support kitchen operations, Food Prep Associates focus more on preparing ingredients and assembling dishes, whereas Kitchen Helpers assist with basic tasks and cleaning. The roles often overlap, but Food Prep Associates typically require some food safety knowledge and specific prep skills, making them slightly more specialized.

How to become a food prep associate?

To become a food prep associate, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and some experience in food handling or kitchen work. Basic skills include knowledge of food safety practices, ability to follow instructions, and familiarity with kitchen tools and equipment. Some employers may require food safety certifications such as ServSafe.

What are popular job titles related to Food Prep Associate jobs in Elgin, IL?

For Food Prep Associate jobs in Elgin, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Prep Associate jobs in Elgin, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Prep Associate jobs in Elgin, IL are:

What cities near Elgin, IL are hiring for Food Prep Associate jobs?

Cities near Elgin, IL with the most Food Prep Associate job openings:

Food Prep Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Prep Associate job openings in Elgin, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,430 per year, or $15.6 per hour.

Part Time Store Associate

Gordon Food Service

Aurora, IL • On-site

$15/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Gordon Food Service rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 210 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

199th of 366 rated logistics

Job description

Gordon Food Service Store LLC
Location: 4101 Healthway Dr, Aurora, IL, 60504-4190
Now Hiring!
Pay: $15/hr
  • Store Hours - Monday through Saturday 7AM-8PM; Sunday 9AM-6PM
  • Holidays Off - We are CLOSED on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day and Easter.
  • Advancement - High internal promotion rate and development programs available!

Gordon Food Service prides ourselves on the competitive wages and benefits offered:
  • Profit Sharing and 401(k) Plan
  • Employee Assistance Programs
  • ComPsych 24/7 Mental Health Support
  • Employee Discounts - 10% off your purchases
  • Beneplace Discount Program

Eligible employees can also take advantage of:
  • Affordable Health Insurance
  • Prescription, Dental and Vision Insurance
  • Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance
  • PTO and Flex time
  • Company Note Savings Program
  • 12 Week - 100% Paid Maternity Leave
  • Free Health Management Resources and Programs

Gordon Food Service Store, the retail division of Gordon Food Service, offers the fast pace of retail in an environment that lets you balance your life and foster development for future growth.
Our 170+ stores are the primary supplier for many small food service operators, families, non-profit organizations, caterers and so much more!
Come help us champion a "Customer is King" environment and see why we set the bar for customer satisfaction in the retail industry!
As a Part Time Store Associate you bring fun into our store! No 2 days are ever the same - a great opportunity to learn and even greater opportunity for advancement!
Does this sound like you?
  • At least 16 years of age
  • Able to provide superior customer service
  • Able to multitask
  • Work on your own or within a team
  • Basic math and computer skills
  • Able to lift up to 50 lbs
  • Must be able/willing to perform all store functions (Stocking, Cashier, Food Prep, Etc.)

BE PART OF AN AMAZING CULTURE WHERE WHAT MATTERS TO YOU, MATTERS TO US!
Gordon Food Service values our customers and understands that their success is largely dependent upon their workforce. To demonstrate our commitment to our partnership, we will require any candidate who works for a Gordon Food Service customer to provide a letter of support from their management if they are selected for the interview process.
Equal Employment Opportunity is a matter of policy at Gordon Food Service, Inc. and we are committed to a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, please submit your request to talent@gfs.com and use the words "Accommodation Request" in your subject line.
All Gordon Food Service locations are tobacco-free.
Gordon Food Service is a drug-free workplace.

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About Gordon Food Service

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Since our 1897 founding, Gordon Food Service has grown to become the largest family-managed broadline foodservice distribution company in North America. While we've been growing pretty much continuously over these 125 years, we've remained consistent at the core of what and who we are: passionately committed to customers and employees. Being part of Gordon Food Service means being part of something important, something bigger than oneself.We take care of you as if you were part of our family by providing benefits that give choice and flexibility for what matters most to you. We aim to deliver a competitive package that not only supports you but also your family. Full-time employees are provided benefit options to support work-life and your need to take care of yourself and those close to you, including paid time off, 401k with company match, profit sharing, tuition reimbursement for you and the whole family, and more!We feel the culture when we work together, and when we serve together. As a team, we tackle our challenges, celebrate our successes, and have fun on the journey. Be part of it.

Industry

Food and beverage wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Wyoming, MI, US

Year founded

1897

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