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Food Service Associate Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Global Partners

$13.66 - $16.87/hr

Global Partner's is looking for a Food Service Associate/ Deli Clerk. Our Fresh Food Associate is responsible for the store's deli and food service daily operations, ensuring a high level of ...

Carilion Clinic

Cafe Food Services Associate

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$16.18 - $22.65/hr

R160860 Cafe Food Services Associate (Open) How You'll Help Transform Healthcare: Sign on Bonus ... Complete all general food service tasks as assigned, which may include storeroom, tray assembly and ...

Carilion Clinic

Cafe Food Services Associate

Roanoke, VA

$16.18 - $22.65/hr

R160860 Cafe Food Services Associate (Open) How You'll Help Transform Healthcare: Sign on Bonus ... Complete all general food service tasks as assigned, which may include storeroom, tray assembly and ...

Carilion Clinic

FOOD SERVICES ASSOCIATE I

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$16.18 - $22.65/hr

R159185 FOOD SERVICES ASSOCIATE I (Open) How You'll Help Transform Healthcare: Sign on Bonus: $2 ... Complete all general food service tasks as assigned, which may include storeroom, tray assembly and ...

Royal Farms

Customer Service Associate

Wallops Island, VA · On-site

$13.50 - $19/hr

This includes food service preparation, point-of-sale transactions, housekeeping duties, and general store upkeep. The Customer Service Associate plays a key role in delivering an exceptional ...

Riverside

Food Services Attendant

Gloucester, VA · On-site

$15 - $19.50/hr

Overview The Food Service Associate is responsible for preparing and serving foods to patients, visitors and hospital team members. Will demonstrate knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards.

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Food Service Associate information

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How much do food service associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service associate in Virginia is $15.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.37 and $17.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

What does a food service associate do?

A food service associate prepares, serves, and maintains food and beverages in settings such as restaurants, cafeterias, or catering events. They often handle customer orders, ensure cleanliness, and follow safety and hygiene standards, sometimes using tools like POS systems. Good communication skills and attention to detail are important for this role.

What are food service associates?

Food service associates are professionals who work in settings such as restaurants, cafeterias, hospitals, and other food service establishments. Their primary duties include preparing and serving food, maintaining cleanliness in dining areas, handling cash registers, and providing customer service. They play a vital role in ensuring customers have a positive dining experience and that food safety standards are met. The position may also involve restocking supplies, assisting with inventory, and adhering to health and safety regulations.

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 is the highest paying food service job?

The highest paying food service jobs are often managerial roles such as restaurant general managers or executive chefs, with salaries exceeding $60,000 annually. These positions typically require extensive experience, leadership skills, and sometimes certifications in culinary arts or hospitality management.

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 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.

How to get a food service job with no experience?

Food service associates can often find entry-level positions that do not require prior experience. Highlighting customer service skills, a positive attitude, and willingness to learn on your resume can improve your chances; some employers also offer on-the-job training. Obtaining a food handler's permit or certification may be required in some areas.
More about Food Service Associate jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Food Service jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Food Service jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Food Service Associate jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Food Service Associate job openings:
Food Service Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Service Associate job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,526 per year, or $15.6 per hour.
Food Service Associate (Labor Pool)

Food Service Associate (Labor Pool)

Riverside Health System

Smithfield, VA • On-site

$15 - $19.50/hr

Part-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Smithfield, Virginia
Hiring Range
$15.00 - $19.50/HourlyActual pay is determined based on job-related factors such as relevant experience, education, credentials, skills, internal equity, and business needs.
Hours: Labor Pool (as needed)
Overview
The Food Services Associate is responsible for preparing and serving foods to patients, visitors and hospital team members. Will demonstrate knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards. Promotes and maintains safe work environment for staff as well as our customers.
What you will do
  • Complete food preparation following recipes/techniques as designated on production worksheets and in compliance with regulatory guidelines and Food & Nutrition Services policy/procedures. Demonstrate the competence to complete prep work, including but not limited to slicing lunch meat, chopping fruits & vegetables, preparing salads and sandwiches. Complete meal service ensuring proper portion control and plate presentation.
  • Demonstrate the ability to follow therapeutic menus to ensure patients receive consistent, competent, and quality nutritional care within their diet therapy guidelines and as ordered by the physician. Accurately assemble patient tray based on the patient/resident specific tray ticket or tray card (as applicable), ensuring accuracy to diet order and allergy restrictions.
  • Maintain a working knowledge of food safety, infection control, and sanitation regulatory compliance requirements and Food & Nutrition Service policy/procedures. Consistently comply with temperature, quality, sanitation & storage at all key steps in the food production process. Actively use the FIFO (First-in/First-out) system to ensure that food items that are already in stock are used first to control food waste. Label & date all product according to policy and alerts management of any discrepancies to the norm.
  • Demonstrate positive interpersonal relations with patients and patient families so that patients and their families perceive positive patient care from the hospital. Demonstrate positive communication with internal customers (physicians, team members, etc.). Demonstrate flexibility and reliability when meeting the needs of the customer.
  • Demonstrate the ability to use time effectively and during periods of heavy workload, is able to aid other workers in the completion of their work. Ensure completion of all assigned cleaning tasks, as noted in job work flows and posted assignment sheets, prior to end of shift. Alert supervisor/manager when unable to complete tasks as assigned

Qualifications
Education
  • High School Diploma or GED, (Preferred)

Experience
  • 1 year Prior food service experience, preferably in a healthcare facility (Preferred)

Licenses and Certifications
  • Allergen Awareness Certification - VA State - ANSI-approved Allergen Awareness certificate program within 180 Days(Required)
  • Food Handlers Card (FH) - VA State - ANSI-approved Food Handlers certificate program within 30 Days(Required) or
  • Food Protection Manager - VA State - ANSI approved Food Protection Manager Certification - VA State (Required)

To learn more about being a team member with Riverside Health System visit us at https://www.riversideonline.com/careers.

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