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Food Preparation Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Food Preparation: Assist in preparing and assembling food items, ensuring quality, accuracy, and presentation meet company standards. Cashier & Customer Service: Operate a point-of-sale system to ...

preparation

Herndon, VA · On-site

$15/hr

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Collaborate with kitchen staff to ensure efficient and timely food preparation. * Assist in other ... kitchen tasks, such as prepping ingredients, as required. Qualifications: * Previous experience as ...

Food Preparation: Assist in preparing and assembling food items, ensuring quality, accuracy, and presentation meet company standards. Cashier & Customer Service: Operate a point-of-sale system to ...

Food Service Aide

Lancaster, PA · On-site

$16.11/hr

Food Preparation: * Assist in the preparation of meals according to established recipes and portion sizes. * Follow food safety and sanitation guidelines to ensure the quality and safety of meals.

Food Service Aide

Malvern, PA · On-site

$15.50 - $17.25/hr

Food Preparation: * Assist in the preparation of meals according to established recipes and portion sizes. * Follow food safety and sanitation guidelines to ensure the quality and safety of meals.

Showing results 41-60

Food Preparation Assistant information

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

To thrive as a Food Preparation Assistant, you need basic food handling knowledge, attention to detail, and often a food safety certification. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food storage systems, and point-of-sale (POS) or inventory tools is beneficial. Strong teamwork, time management, and the ability to follow instructions are valuable soft skills for this role. These skills ensure food is prepared safely and efficiently, supporting smooth kitchen operations and customer satisfaction.

What are some typical challenges food preparation assistants face during busy meal service times?

Food Preparation Assistants often encounter high-pressure situations during peak meal periods, such as lunch or dinner rushes. Managing multiple tasks efficiently—like chopping ingredients, prepping stations, and restocking supplies—while maintaining food safety and quality can be challenging. Clear communication with chefs and kitchen staff is essential to ensure smooth workflow and avoid mistakes. Developing strong organizational skills and the ability to stay calm under pressure can help Food Preparation Assistants succeed in these demanding moments.

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

AspectFood Preparation AssistantKitchen Helper
CredentialsMinimal; often no formal certification requiredMinimal; similar to Food Preparation Assistant
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering servicesCommercial kitchens, restaurants, cafeterias
Job DutiesAssisting with food prep, chopping, assembling ingredientsCleaning, basic prep, assisting cooks
Industry UsageCommonly used in food service industryOften used interchangeably with Food Preparation Assistant

Both roles involve supporting food preparation tasks in commercial kitchens. The main difference is that a Food Preparation Assistant may have slightly more responsibility in food prep activities, while a Kitchen Helper often focuses on cleaning and basic support. Both positions are entry-level and essential for smooth kitchen operations.

How to become a food preparation assistant?

To become a food preparation assistant, typically no formal education is required, but a high school diploma or equivalent is preferred. Relevant skills include basic food safety knowledge, ability to follow instructions, and teamwork. Some employers may require food handler certifications, which can be obtained through short training courses.

What is a food preparation assistant?

Food Preparation Assistants, sometimes called kitchen assistants or food prep workers, are responsible for supporting chefs and cooks by performing basic food preparation tasks. Their duties typically include washing and chopping ingredients, preparing simple dishes, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and ensuring all food safety standards are met. They play a vital role in ensuring kitchens run smoothly and efficiently, especially during busy periods. This entry-level position is a great way for individuals to gain experience in the food service industry and learn essential kitchen skills.
What cities are hiring for Food Preparation Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Food Preparation Assistant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Food Preparation jobs? The most popular types of Food Preparation jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Food Preparation Assistant jobs? The top employers for Food Preparation Assistant jobs are:
What states have the most Food Preparation Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Food Preparation Assistant jobs include:
Infographic showing various Food Preparation Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Preparation Assistant - Nutrition Services

Lee's Summit R-7 School District

Lees Summit, MO • On-site

$15.43/hr

Other

Re-posted 7 hours ago


Lee's Summit R-7 School District rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

384th of 628 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

2026-27 School Year
Number of Contract Days: varies 170-174, 3 to 4 hours per day
Starting Salary: $15.43 per hour
Purpose Statement
The job of Prep Assistant was established for the purpose/s of providing support to the food service activities at unassigned location with specific responsibilities for preparing and serving food items to students and/or school personnel; and maintaining food service facilities in a safe and sanitary condition.
This job reports to the Site Manager
Essential Functions
  • Arranges food, beverages, condiments and serving items prior to serving meals for the purpose of ensuring their availability to students and staff.
  • Assists with cashier duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring charges are appropriately collected and records are accurately maintained.
  • Cleans utensils, equipment, storage, food preparation and serving areas for the purpose of maintaining required sanitary conditions.
  • Maintains a variety of records (e.g. dishwashing temperatures, temperatures at beginning and ending of cooking, etc.) for the purpose of meeting mandated requirements.
  • Performs functions of other nutritional services positions, as requested by supervisor, for the purpose of ensuring adequate staff coverate within site nutritional services operations.
  • Prepares a variety of food items (e.g. sandwiches, salads, fruits, vegetables, etc.) for the purpose of meeting mandated nutritional and projected meal requirements.
  • Prepares the menu for the next day's meals for the purpose of supporting the effective and efficient functioning of the work unit.
  • Serves one or more items of food for the purpose of meeting mandated nutritional requirements and/or requests of students and school personnel.
  • Stocks and dates new materials for the purpose of maintaining supplies according to accepted guidelines.
Other Functions
  • Attends unit meetings, in-service training, workshops, etc. for the purpose of gathering information required to perform job functions.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications
SKILLS are required to perform multiple tasks using existing skills. Specific skill-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adhering to safety practices; and operating equipment found in a commercial kitchen.
KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math; read and follow instructions; and understand multi-step written and oral instructions. Specific knowledge-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: safety practices and procedures; quantify food preparation and handling; and sanitation practices.
ABILITY is required to schedule activities; collate data; and use job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others; work with data utilizing specific, defined processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a diversity of individuals; work with specific, job-related data; and utilize job-related equipment. Some problem solving may be required to identify issues and select action plans. Problem solving with data requires following prescribed guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is limited to moderate. Specific ability-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: working as a part of a team and working with interruptions.
Responsibility
Responsibilities include: working under direct supervision using standardized procedures; providing information and/or advising others; and operating within a defined budget. This is a continual opportunity to have some impact on the organization's services.
Working Environment
The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: significant lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some climbing and balancing; frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 20% sitting, 40% walking and 40% standing. The job is performed under temperature extremes and under conditions with some exposure to risk of injury and/or illness.
Experience
Job related experience is desired.
Education
High School diploma or equivalent.
Equivalency
None specified
Continuing Education/ Training Clearances
None specified
Sanitation Certification from Jackson County
Criminal Justice Fingerpring/ Background Clearance
FSLA Status Approval Date Salary Grade
Non Exempt

What Lee's Summit R-7 School District employees say

Hours and flexibility

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