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Food Prep Associate Jobs in Independence, MO (NOW HIRING)

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Lenexa, KS · On-site

$15/hr

Previous 1 year of food prep experience in the food production industry required. Cold work ... Associates at Fresh & Ready Food Group are offered many fantastic benefits. Full-time and part-time ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE WORKER (FULL TIME)

Lenexa, KS · On-site

$15/hr

Previous 1 year of food prep experience in the food production industry required. Cold work ... Associates at Fresh & Ready Food Group are offered many fantastic benefits. Full-time and part-time ...

The Cheesecake Factory

Prep Cook

Kansas City, MO · On-site

$16.50 - $20.50/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

Overland Park, KS

$16 - $20/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 ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY

Kansas City, MO · On-site

$20.50/hr

Washes worktables, walls, refrigerators, meat blocks and other food prep surfaces. * Removes trash ... Retirement Plan, Associate Shopping Program, Health and Wellness Programs, Discount Marketplace ...

Compass Group

Prep Cook

Kansas City, MO · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Prepares food and serves customers in accordance with applicable federal, state and local standards ... Associate Shopping Program * Health and Wellness Program * Discount Marketplace * Employee ...

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All JobsFood Prep Associate JobsFood Prep Associate Jobs in Independence, MO

Food Prep Associate information

See Independence, MO salary details

$8

$14

$19

How much do food prep associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for food prep associate in Independence, MO is $14.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.26 and $16.01 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 job categories do people searching Food Prep Associate jobs in Independence, MO look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Prep Associate jobs in Independence, MO are:

What cities near Independence, MO are hiring for Food Prep Associate jobs?

Cities near Independence, MO with the most Food Prep Associate job openings:

Food Prep Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Prep Associate job openings in Independence, MO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,912 per year, or $14.4 per hour.

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Compass Group

Lenexa, KS • On-site

$15/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,099 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

349th of 500 rated business services

Job description

OPEN INTERVIEWS - WALK IN & MEET OUR TEAM!
Fresh & Ready Food Group is hiring! Stop by for an open interview every Wednesday & Friday from 9 AM-5 PM.
9759 Commerce Parkway, Lenexa, KS
No appointment needed - just walk in, interview, and take the next step toward getting hired!
  • We are hiring immediately for full time FOOD SERVICE WORKER positions.
  • Location: FRESH & READY FG KS - 9759 Commerce Parkway, Lenexa, KS 66219. Note: online applications accepted only.
  • Schedule: Full time schedule. Monday through Friday, 6:00 am until completion. Further details upon interview.
  • Requirement: Previous 1 year of food prep experience in the food production industry required. Cold work environment.
  • Perks: $500 referral bonus upon 180 days of employment! Benefits package, paid vacation and sick leave, 9 paid holidays, and early pay!
  • Fixed Pay Rate: $15.00 per hour.

*Internal Employee Referral Bonus Available
Please note that employees in this role will work in a temperature-controlled environment with exposure to cold conditions for extended periods of time.
We Make Applying Easy! Just text JOB to 75000 & search for the requisition ID number 1561504 .
The advertised program is a conversational recruiting assistant that helps you apply to jobs with Compass Group. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to opt out or HELP for help. Terms and conditions: http://olivia.paradox.ai/moSkg
Application Deadline: applications are accepted ongoing until all openings are filled for this position. If an applicant is declined due to the position being filled, they may still be considered for future opportunities and are always welcome to reapply.
Diversity of thought and inclusion for all is what drives our success - we invite you to start your journey with us today!
Job Summary
Summary: Prepares, presents and serves food as needed.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Performs prep work such as washing, peeling, cutting and seeding fruits and vegetables.
  • Weighs and measures designated ingredients.
  • Carries pans, kettles and trays of food to and from work stations, stove and refrigerator in accordance with safety standards.
  • Stores food in designated areas following wrapping, dating, food safety and rotation procedures.
  • Cleans work areas, equipment and utensils.
  • Distributes supplies, utensils and portable equipment.
  • Utilizes approved food recipes and production standards to ensure proper quality, serving temperatures and standard portion control.
  • Serves customers in a friendly, efficient manner following outlined steps of service.
  • Resolves customer concerns and relays relevant information to supervisor.
  • Ensures compliance with company service standards and inventory and cash control procedures.
  • Assures compliance with all sanitation and safety requirements.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Associates at Fresh & Ready Food Group are offered many fantastic benefits.
Full-time and part-time positions offer the following benefits to associates: Retirement Plan, Associate Shopping Program, Health and Wellness Programs, Discount Marketplace, Identity Theft Protection, Pet Insurance, Voluntary Benefits, including Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Legal Services, and Choice Auto and Home Program
Full-time positions also offer the following benefits to associates: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance/AD, Disability Insurance, Commuter Benefits, Employee Assistance Program, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.
https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_FreshIdeas.pdf
About Compass Group: Achieving leadership in the foodservice industry
Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.
Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity.
Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Fresh and Ready Foods maintains a drug-free workplace.

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