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Food Prep Helper Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Aramark

Food Prep Worker

Washington, DC · On-site

$25.05/hr

Knowledge of food prep, proper knife handling, temperature control, and sanitation is helpful. * Must be able to read and write to facilitate communication with others. * Demonstrates basic math and ...

Aramark

Food Prep Worker

Washington, DC

$25.05/hr

Knowledge of food prep, proper knife handling, temperature control, and sanitation is helpful. * Must be able to read and write to facilitate communication with others. * Demonstrates basic math and ...

Aramark

Food Prep Worker

Washington, DC · On-site

$25.05/hr

Knowledge of food prep, proper knife handling, temperature control, and sanitation is helpful. * Must be able to read and write to facilitate communication with others. * Demonstrates basic math and ...

McLean Bible Church

Prep Cook

Vienna, VA · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

Help with receiving deliveries and unpacking food shipments * Assist with daily opening and closing ... Previous experience in a Prep Cook or Kitchen Assistant role is preferred * Knowledge of basic ...

Chick N' Friends

Prep Cook

Columbia, MD

$16.50/hr

Previous kitchen or food prep experience is a plus but not required Benefits & Perks * Paid training to help you succeed * Employee discount on delicious menu items * Opportunity to earn tips ...

McLean Bible Church

Prep Cook

Vienna, VA

$14.25 - $18/hr

Help with receiving deliveries and unpacking food shipments * Assist with daily opening and closing ... Previous experience in a Prep Cook or Kitchen Assistant role is preferred * Knowledge of basic ...

McLean Bible Church

Prep Cook

Vienna, VA

$14.25 - $18/hr

Help with receiving deliveries and unpacking food shipments * Assist with daily opening and closing ... Previous experience in a Prep Cook or Kitchen Assistant role is preferred * Knowledge of basic ...

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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 Washington?

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

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

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

Food Prep Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Prep Helper job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Food Prep Worker

Aramark

Washington, DC • On-site

$25.05/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Aramark rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 1,275 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

397th of 500 rated business services

Job description


The Food Prep Worker prepares, and portions food items and performs various duties in accordance with production requirements and Aramark sanitation standards. Uses daily worksheets and standardized recipes to cook meals.
Compensation Data
COMPENSATION: The Hourly rate for this position is $25.05 to $25.05. If both numbers are the same, that is the amount that Aramark expects to offer. This is Aramark's good faith and reasonable estimate of the compensation for this position as of the time of posting.
BENEFITS: Aramark offers comprehensive benefit programs and services for eligible employees including medical, dental, vision, and work/life resources. Additional benefits may include retirement savings plans like 401(k) and paid days off such as parental leave and disability coverage. Benefits vary by location and are subject to any legal requirements or limitations, employee eligibility status, and where the employee lives and/or works. For more information about Aramark benefits, click here Aramark Careers - Benefits & Compensation
There is no predetermined application window for this position, the position will close once a qualified candidate is selected. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with all applicable laws, including, but not limited to all applicable Fair Chance Ordinances and Acts. For jobs in San Francisco, this includes the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.
Job Responsibilities
  • Prepares all food items using prep lists and standard Aramark recipes.
  • Follows proper food handling procedures.
  • Maintains accurate rotation of food to assure top quality and freshness.
  • Manages leftover foods correctly; cover, label, date, and accurately store according to Aramark standards.
  • Maintains clean and orderly refrigerators and work areas.
  • Ensures stations are cleaned, sanitized, and organized at the end of the shift (including cleaning of kitchen equipment).
  • Maintains a safe and sanitary work environment that conforms to all food safety standards and regulations.
  • Follows safety policies and accident reporting procedures.
  • Completes all required training.

At Aramark, developing new skills and doing what it takes to get the job done make a positive impact for our employees and for our customers. In order to meet our commitments, job duties may change or new ones may be assigned without formal notice.
Qualifications
  • Minimum one-year prep work or food service-related work preferred.
  • Knowledge of food prep, proper knife handling, temperature control, and sanitation is helpful.
  • Must be able to read and write to facilitate communication with others.
  • Demonstrates basic math and counting skills

This role may have physical demands including, but not limited to, lifting, bending, pushing, pulling and/or extended walking and standing. This role may also require uniforms and/or usage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Education
About Aramark
Our Mission
Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet.
At Aramark, we believe that every employee should enjoy equal employment opportunity and be free to participate in all aspects of the company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by applicable law.
About Aramark
The people of Aramark proudly serve millions of guests every day through food and facilities in 15 countries around the world. Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional growth. So, no matter what you're pursuing - a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work - our focus is helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here at http://www.aramarkcareers.com or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

What Aramark employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Aramark

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The people of Aramark proudly serve millions of guests every day through food, facilities, and uniform services in 19 countries around the world. Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional growth. So, no matter what you're pursuing - a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work - our focus is helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here at or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Industry

Hospitality services and facilities support services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Philadelphia, PA, US

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