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Food Service Associate Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Food Service Associate #22 White Cloud

White Cloud, MI ยท On-site

$12 - $15.75/hr

A Food Service Associate has many job duties including but not limited to the following: Excel at delivering a rewarding customer experience Perform all tasks with the safety of Associates and ...

Description A Service Associate is the face of Wesco to our customers. They work with their teams ... Requirements In approved Food Service locations without a fryer, daily tasks to include: * Assemble ...

Food Service Associate #11 Brooklyn

Brooklyn, MI ยท On-site

$11.75 - $15.25/hr

Perform all tasks with the safety of Associates and customers in mind * Adhere to company policies, procedures, and guidelines * Complete all housekeeping functions (cleaning, dusting, sweeping ...

Food Service Associate #66 Hudsonville

Hudsonville, MI ยท On-site

$13 - $17/hr

Perform all tasks with the safety of Associates and customers in mind * Adhere to company policies, procedures, and guidelines * Complete all housekeeping functions (cleaning, dusting, sweeping ...

Food Service Associate #08 Ravenna

Ravenna, MI ยท On-site

$12.75 - $16.50/hr

Perform all tasks with the safety of Associates and customers in mind * Adhere to company policies, procedures, and guidelines * Complete all housekeeping functions (cleaning, dusting, sweeping ...

Food Service Associate #24 Benzonia

Benzonia, MI ยท On-site

$13.50 - $17.50/hr

Perform all tasks with the safety of Associates and customers in mind * Adhere to company policies, procedures, and guidelines * Complete all housekeeping functions (cleaning, dusting, sweeping ...

Food Service Associate #51 Rothbury

Rothbury, MI ยท On-site

$13.25 - $17.25/hr

Perform all tasks with the safety of Associates and customers in mind * Adhere to company policies, procedures, and guidelines * Complete all housekeeping functions (cleaning, dusting, sweeping ...

Food Services Associate

Dearborn, MI ยท On-site

$12.75 - $16.75/hr

  • PTO

Continuous Position Description Summary Henry Ford College presents an opportunity for a part-time 10-month Food Service Associate. In addition to all regularly assigned performance responsibilities ...

Hire, train, coach, and evaluate food service associates. * Develop schedules and manage labor costs according to budget and business needs. * Ensure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, and ...

Food Service Associate #17 New Era

New Era, MI ยท On-site

$13.25 - $17.25/hr

Perform all tasks with the safety of Associates and customers in mind * Adhere to company policies, procedures, and guidelines * Complete all housekeeping functions (cleaning, dusting, sweeping ...

Showing results 21-40

Food Service Associate information

See Michigan salary details

$7

$13

$18

How much do food service associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service associate in Michigan is $13.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.73 and $15.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food service associate?

A food service associate usually works in a school, park, or within a business center to ensure the food served meets health safety codes. Your daily duties include greeting guests, answering questions, and providing quality customer service. In this career, companies expect you to understand proper cash handling procedures and the ability to work a register. A food service associate must prepare food with health and safety standards in mind. For food service associates working in a school, you must understand the health needs of children and work within those restraints. A job as a food service associate can lead to a fulfilling career in the culinary arts.

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

To thrive as a Food Service Associate, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety regulations, and preferably a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, kitchen equipment, and food handling certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Excellent customer service, teamwork, and strong communication skills help you stand out in this role. These skills and qualities ensure efficient operations, customer satisfaction, and compliance with health standards in food service environments.

What are some common challenges a food service associate might face during busy meal periods, and how can they effectively manage them?

During peak meal times, Food Service Associates often face challenges such as long lines, high customer volume, and the need to maintain quality service under pressure. Effective time management, clear communication with team members, and staying organized at the workstation are crucial for handling these busy periods. Being proactive, such as prepping ingredients in advance and anticipating customer needs, can also help ensure smooth service and customer satisfaction.

What is the difference between Food Service Associate vs Food Service Worker?

AspectFood Service AssociateFood Service Worker
CredentialsNone required or basic food safety certificationTypically similar; may require food safety training
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, cafeterias, cateringRestaurants, cafeterias, fast food outlets
Employer UsageCommonly used in healthcare, schools, and hospitalityWidespread in food service establishments
Job DutiesCustomer service, food prep, servingFood prep, serving, cleaning

Both roles involve food handling and customer service, often with overlapping duties. The term "Food Service Associate" is frequently used in healthcare and institutional settings, emphasizing customer interaction and food service tasks, while "Food Service Worker" is more common in fast food and casual dining environments. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers target the right opportunities in the food service industry.

How to get a food service associate job with no experience?

To get a food service associate job with no experience, focus on demonstrating a positive attitude, good communication skills, and a willingness to learn. Entry-level positions often do not require prior experience, but having a basic understanding of food safety and customer service can improve your chances. Volunteering or completing short training programs can also help build relevant skills and improve your resume.

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Service jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Food Service jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Food Service Associate jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Food Service Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Food Service Associate job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $28,595 per year, or $13.7 per hour.

Food Service Associate Part Time or Full Time

WOLVERINE HUMAN SERVICES

Vassar, MI โ€ข On-site

$17/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Food Service Associate
Wolverine Human Services | Full-Time | Michigan


Why This Role Matters

If youโ€™ve worked in a school cafeteria, you already understand this:

Meals are more than food โ€” theyโ€™re structure, routine, and care.

At Wolverine Human Services, we serve children and youth in care. For many, the consistency of a well-prepared meal is one of the most important parts of their day.

As a Food Service Associate, you bring that same reliability and care found in school lunch programs โ€” in an environment where it matters deeply.

Our mission is simple:
Helping Children and Families to be Victors.


A Role Built for School Food Service Experience

If you have experience in:

  • School lunch programs
  • Institutional or high-volume meal prep
  • Following standardized menus and nutrition guidelines
  • Maintaining compliance with food safety and documentation

โ€ฆyouโ€™ll feel right at home here.


How Youโ€™ll Make an Impact

You will prepare nutritious, balanced meals for youth in care while maintaining the same structure and standards found in regulated food service environments.

Your responsibilities include:

  • Preparing meals using approved menus and standardized recipes
  • Ensuring compliance with food safety and sanitation standards (similar to school nutrition programs)
  • Maintaining a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment
  • Operating kitchen equipment, including an outdoor grill
  • Completing required logs (cleaning, production, temperature, and inventory)
  • Rotating food stock in accordance with licensing and safety regulations
  • Supporting a structured meal environment for youth

In addition, you will:

  • Observe client behavior and respond appropriately to crisis situations
  • Use positive role modeling and client-centered approaches
  • Participate in trainings and team meetings
  • Serve as a mandated reporter under Michigan Child Protection Law

This is an active, team-based role where organization, consistency, and reliability are key.


What Success Looks Like

Success in this role mirrors what strong school food service professionals already do well:

  • Consistently follow food safety and sanitation standards
  • Stay organized with documentation and daily logs
  • Manage time effectively in a structured meal schedule
  • Remain calm and professional in a fast-paced environment
  • Follow policies, procedures, and licensing requirements
  • Maintain confidentiality and ethical standards

Why Join Wolverine Human Services

Many of our team members come from school food service backgrounds and stay because:

  • The work has real, visible impact
  • The environment values structure, teamwork, and routine
  • There are opportunities for growth and development
  • The mission adds meaning to the work you already know how to do

You wonโ€™t just prepare meals โ€”
youโ€™ll help create stability for youth who need it most.


Ready to Make a Difference?

If you have experience in school or institutional food service โ€” and are looking for a role with purpose โ€” we encourage you to apply.

Join Wolverine Human Services.
Help children and families become Victors.

What You Need to Apply โ€“ Minimum Qualifications

You qualify if you have:

  • High School Diploma or G.E.D.

  • Ability to achieve Level 1 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) endorsement

  • Ability to complete Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) training and apply techniques

  • Ability to obtain American Red Cross CPR and First Aid Certification

  • Ability to obtain ServSafe Certification

  • Ability to obtain Michigan Allergen Certificate

Training for certifications is provided by the agency when applicable.

Preferred Qualifications

The ideal candidate may also have:

  • Previous food service or institutional kitchen experience

  • Experience working in residential or youth-serving settings

  • Familiarity with food safety regulations