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Food Prep Associate Jobs in Modesto, CA (NOW HIRING)

Deli Food Prep - PT

Santa Nella, CA · On-site

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

For more than 50 years, millions of professional truck drivers and motorists have called our travel centers home, depending on us daily for fuel, food, truck maintenance and essential services.

PREP COOK (FULL TIME)

Stockton, CA · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

* We are hiring immediately for a full time PREP COOK position. * Location : University of the ... of food supply. * Resolves customer concerns. * Performs other duties as assigned. Associates at ...

Performs prep work such as washing, peeling, cutting and seeding fruits and vegetables. * Weighs ... Retirement Plan, Associate Shopping Program, Health and Wellness Programs, Discount Marketplace ...

Performs prep work such as washing, peeling, cutting and seeding fruits and vegetables. Weighs and ... Associate Shopping Program * Health and Wellness Programs * Discount Marketplace * Identity Theft ...

Dishwasher

Livermore, CA · On-site

$18/hr

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

Dishwasher

Livermore, CA · On-site

$18/hr

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

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

... associate, retail team member, cashier, restaurant server, kitchen lead, cook, prep cook, drive ... Follow proper safety procedures when handling and/or preparing food * Ability to multitask ...

... associate, retail team member, cashier, restaurant server, kitchen lead, cook, prep cook, drive ... Follow proper safety procedures when handling and/or preparing food * Ability to multitask ...

... associate, retail team member, cashier, restaurant server, kitchen lead, cook, prep cook, drive ... Follow proper safety procedures when handling and/or preparing food * Ability to multitask ...

... associate, retail team member, cashier, restaurant server, kitchen lead, cook, prep cook, drive ... Follow proper safety procedures when handling and/or preparing food * Ability to multitask ...

... associate, retail team member, cashier, restaurant server, kitchen lead, cook, prep cook, drive ... Follow proper safety procedures when handling and/or preparing food * Ability to multitask ...

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Food Prep Associate information

See Modesto, CA salary details

$9

$16

$22

How much do food prep associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for food prep associate in Modesto, CA is $16.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.18 and $18.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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.

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 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 are popular job titles related to Food Prep Associate jobs in Modesto, CA? For Food Prep Associate jobs in Modesto, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Food Prep Associate jobs in Modesto, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Food Prep Associate jobs in Modesto, CA are:
What cities near Modesto, CA are hiring for Food Prep Associate jobs? Cities near Modesto, CA with the most Food Prep Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Food Prep Associate job openings in Modesto, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,612 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

Deli Food Prep - PT

TravelCenters of America

Santa Nella, CA • On-site

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


TravelCenters Of America rating

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 247 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

586th of 732 rated retailers


Job description

There's never been a better time to join TravelCenters of America! For more than 50 years, millions of professional truck drivers and motorists have called our travel centers home, depending on us daily for fuel, food, truck maintenance and essential services.

Driven by a passionate team, TA is focused on growing its network of travel centers, implementing cutting edge technology and embarking on innovative alternative energy and sustainability initiatives.

From our locations across the country, to our corporate headquarters in Westlake, Ohio, every team member is a stakeholder in TA's success. This environment offers endless career opportunities for individuals interested in sharing their ideas, growing with the company and shaping TA's future.

Job Summary

TravelCenters of America offers a convenient, one-stop shopping experience to our customers. We carry a wide selection of name-brand products, and are stocked with Grab 'N Go foods, groceries, snacks, electronics, maintenance supplies, and even clothing and gifts! The Cashier is key member of the store team primarily responsible for providing excellent customer service to our guests so that we are returning every traveler to the road better than they came!

In this role, you can expect to:

  • Work in a fun, trusting environment focused on great customer service
  • Serve each customer courteously, quickly and efficiently with a sincere, positive, pleasant and enthusiastic attitude
  • Process transactions of customers on a point-of-sale (POS) register; maintain a clean, well-stocked food and beverage area; clean and stock merchandise
  • Prioritize your work according to the store and management needs
  • Know and follow safety guidelines and report potentially unsafe situations caused by team members and customers
  • Establish strong communication and rapport with leaders and co-workers
  • Perform other job-related duties as assigned

What we'd like to see:

  • A dedicated individual who works well with others and is excited to be part of our team!
  • Basic computer/POS knowledge preferred
  • Cash handling skills preferred
  • Good verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work flexible hours including nights, weekends and some holidays

With us, you'll enjoy:

  • Medical, dental, vision and life insurance
  • 401(k) with a company match
  • Vacation and paid holidays
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • On-site Meal discounts
  • A wide variety of discounts on technology, travel, food and fuel
  • Opportunity for growth and advancement

Not all benefit plans are available to all team members. For a more comprehensive list of benefits, please visit https://www.ta-petro.com/careers/working-at-ta-travel-centers

Pay Range

COMPENSATION.RANGE per hour

 A pay range listed reflects the potential pay for this role. The pay will depend on various factors, such as responsibilities of the position, job duties/requirements, and relevant experience and skills. Not all positions posted will have a pay range listed.

Our travel centers serve thousands every day; not one traveler is the same and our team must reflect that. We can "return every traveler to the road better than they came" only by understanding and celebrating individualism. TravelCenters of America is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless race, color, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, familial status, ancestry, sex, gender, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, handicap, military service or Veteran status, genetic information or membership in any other category protected by applicable federal, state or local law. At TravelCenters of America, we invite everyone to make themselves at home.

Typical Physical Demands

In this role, the team member is regularly required to talk and hear.  Standing, walking, kneeling, stooping, bending over, crouching, crawling, climbing, and repetitive use of legs are done occasionally. The team member is occasionally required to lift up to 50 lbs and/or move heavy objects.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. All performed with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Work Environment

While performing these duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to outdoor elements in all seasons. Occasionally, the employee will also be exposed to fumes and particles, moving mechanical parts and vibration. The noise level in the work environment can be loud at times. While performing these duties, the employee may be exposed to dirt, dust, grime, grease, oil, gas, high-concentrated cleaning solutions, etc.

Disclaimer

This job description may not list all duties for this position.   The incumbent in the position may be asked to perform other duties.  TA Operating LLC reserves the right to revise the job description at any time.   This job description is not a contract for employment, and either the incumbent or TA Operating LLC may terminate employment at any time, for any reason.


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