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Food Prep Helper Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: Manufacturing Company - 48902001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process.

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$25 - $32.65/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: AIR NEW ZEALAND - 24424001 Workdays/shifts: Afternoon/evenings - varying days. More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type: Full-time Pay ...

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: UNITED CLUB - SNA - 70141001 Workdays/shifts: Afternoon/evenings - varying days. More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type: Full-time Pay ...

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

Grass Valley, CA · On-site

$19/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: HILLTOP COMMONS - 91501001 Workdays/shifts: Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment ...

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$25 - $32.65/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: AIR NEW ZEALAND - 24424001 Workdays/shifts : Afternoon/evenings - varying days. More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type: Full-time Pay ...

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

Grass Valley, CA · On-site

$19/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: HILLTOP COMMONS - 91501001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process.

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

Santa Ana, CA

$20/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: UNITED CLUB - SNA - 70141001 Workdays/shifts : Afternoon/evenings - varying days. More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type: Full-time Pay ...

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$24 - $25/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: BRITISH AIRWAYS LOUNGE - SFO - 30193001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview ...

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$25 - $32.65/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: AIR NEW ZEALAND - 24424001 Workdays/shifts : Afternoon/evenings - varying days. More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type: Full-time Pay ...

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

Orange, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $22.50/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY - 52404001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process.

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$24 - $25/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: BRITISH AIRWAYS LOUNGE - SFO - 30193001 Workdays/shifts: Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview ...

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$26/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: ALASKA AIRLINES LOUNGE - SFO - 72550001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview ...

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

Los Angeles, CA

$25 - $32.65/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: AIR NEW ZEALAND - 24424001 Workdays/shifts : Afternoon/evenings - varying days. More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type: Full-time Pay ...

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: HOLLYWOOD BOWL AMPHITHEATRE - 91389001 Workdays/shifts: Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process.

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

San Diego, CA · On-site

$22.75/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: AIRPORT DIMENSIONS-SAPPHIRE LOUNGE BY THE CLUB - 30219001 Workdays/shifts : Mornings - varying days. More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment ...

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

San Marcos, CA · On-site

$20 - $21.75/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY-SAN MARCOS - 16631013 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the ...

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

Grass Valley, CA · On-site

$19/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: HILLTOP COMMONS - 91501001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process.

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$24 - $25/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: BRITISH AIRWAYS LOUNGE - SFO - 30193001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview ...

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: UNITED CLUB - SNA - 70141001 Workdays/shifts : Afternoon/evenings - varying days. More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type: Full-time Pay ...

Sodexo Live!

Food Prep Helper

Los Angeles, CA

$20 - $24/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: HOLLYWOOD BOWL AMPHITHEATRE - 91389001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview ...

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All JobsFood Prep Helper JobsFood Prep Helper Jobs in California

Food Prep Helper information

What is a food prep helper?

Food Prep Helpers are kitchen staff who assist chefs and cooks by performing basic food preparation tasks. Their duties often include washing and chopping vegetables, assembling ingredients, measuring portions, and maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen. They play a vital role in ensuring that the kitchen runs smoothly and efficiently. Food Prep Helpers also help in storing food supplies properly and may be responsible for disposing of waste. This position is often entry-level and provides valuable experience for those interested in a culinary career.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a food prep helper?

To thrive as a Food Prep Helper, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of kitchen safety and hygiene, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment and, in some cases, a food handler's certification are typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and time management are important soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure efficient kitchen operations, food safety, and high-quality meal preparation in busy food service environments.

What challenges do food prep helpers face and how can they be managed?

Food Prep Helpers often work in fast-paced environments where multitasking and time management are crucial. Common challenges include maintaining food safety standards, managing repetitive tasks, and handling last-minute changes in meal preparation. To manage these challenges, it helps to stay organized, communicate proactively with chefs and team members, and consistently follow food safety protocols. Building good teamwork skills and being adaptable can also make the role more manageable and rewarding.

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

AspectFood Prep HelperKitchen Assistant
CredentialsNone typically required, some food safety knowledgeNone typically required, basic food safety knowledge
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, cateringCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering
Job DutiesPreparing ingredients, washing, chopping, basic food prepAssisting with food prep, cleaning, stocking supplies
Industry UsageCommonly used in food service and hospitalityCommonly used in food service and hospitality

Both roles involve assisting in food preparation within commercial kitchens, with similar work environments and minimal credentials required. The Food Prep Helper focuses more on preparing ingredients, while the Kitchen Assistant may handle broader tasks like cleaning and stocking. They are often used interchangeably depending on the establishment.

How to become a food prep helper?

To become a food prep helper, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and should have basic cooking and food safety knowledge. Employers often require good communication skills, the ability to follow instructions, and sometimes food handler certification. On-the-job training is common, and experience in a kitchen environment can be beneficial.

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Food Prep Helper jobs?

Cities in California with the most Food Prep Helper job openings:

Food Prep Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Prep Helper job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Food Prep Helper

Sodexo

Milpitas, CA • On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Sodexo rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

349th of 500 rated business services

Job description

Food Prep Helper


Location: Manufacturing Company - 48902001

Workdays/shifts: Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process.

Employment Type: Full-time

Pay Range: $20.00 - $25.00


Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it's a chance to be part of something greater because we believe our everyday actions have a big impact. You belong in a company that allows you to act with purpose and thrive in your own way. 


What You'll Do: As a Food Prep Helper at Sodexo, you are a pair of helping hands and a good mood motivator. This role includes the preparation and serving of our vibrant menusand ensuring all working areas are kept clean and tidy. Your welcoming customer service puts a smile on people's faces and makes an impact in their everyday lives. 


Responsibilities include:

  • Reads recipes and/or product directions and assists in the preparation of hot and/or cold foods using a variety of kitchen utensils/equipment
  • Clean and sanitize work stations and production equipment
  • May have basic cooking responsibilities, i.e., cook vegetables, chicken for salads.
  • Attends work and shows for scheduled shift on time with satisfactory regularity
  • Other duties may be assigned and can differ among accounts, depending on business necessities and client requirements.


What You Bring:

  • Successful candidates will be team-oriented, adaptable, reliable, and nurturers of a healthy/safe working environment for all.
  • 0 - 1 year of related experience is beneficial


Link to full Job description 


What We Offer:

  • Flexible and supportive work environment, so you can be home for life's important moments.
  • Access to ongoing training/development and advancement opportunities to turn your job into a career
  • Full array of benefits that support you and your family's wellbeing, including paid time off, holidays, medical, dental, vision, tuition reimbursement, 401k, discount programs, and more. 
  • In addition to Sodexo's standard, some locations may offer additional site-specific benefits, including free "shift" meals (and/or allowances/per diems), uniforms, safety shoes, public transportation support and/or parking. 


Link to benefits summary


Overall, Sodexo strives to offer comprehensive summaries of our benefits packages and detailed descriptions of the positions candidates are applying for. However, due to the contractual nature of our business, some job duties and employee benefits may vary based on the unit/work location. We encourage you to discuss any questions about Sodexo's benefit offerings during the interview process. 


Who we are:

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide. 


Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you're happy at work. This is why we embrace culture and belonging as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Should you need assistance with the online application process, please complete this form.



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