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Food Service Associate Jobs in Kinston, NC (NOW HIRING)

* We are hiring immediately for a full time FOOD SERVICE WORKER position. * Location : Moen Grill ... Associates at Canteen are offered many fantastic benefits. Full-time and part-time positions offer ...

* We are hiring immediately for a full time FOOD SERVICE WORKER position. * Location : Moen Grill ... Associates at Canteen are offered many fantastic benefits. Full-time and part-time positions offer ...

* We are hiring immediately for a full time FOOD SERVICE WORKER position. * Location : Moen Grill ... Associates at Canteen are offered many fantastic benefits. Full-time and part-time positions offer ...

Mid-Shift, Closing Location Walmart Supercenter #4564 2908 US HIGHWAY 70 W, GOLDSBORO, NC, 27530, US Job Overview Food and Consumable associates are focused on two things: taking care of customers ...

Mid-Shift, Closing Location Walmart Supercenter #5851 4600 E. 10TH ST, GREENVILLE, NC, 27858, US Job Overview Food and Consumable associates are focused on two things: taking care of customers and ...

Minuteman Food Mart Team Member

Pink Hill, NC · On-site

$12.75 - $16.50/hr

"Fast, Friendly Service with a Smile" Minuteman Food Mart Team Member - Part Time If "Fast, Friendly ... Our successful Sales Associates are great communicators, have the drive to be successful, and ...

Showing results 21-40

Food Service Associate information

See Kinston, NC salary details

$8

$14

$19

How much do food service associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service associate in Kinston, NC is $14.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.55 and $16.39 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Service jobs in Kinston, NC?

The most popular types of Food Service jobs in Kinston, NC are:

What cities near Kinston, NC are hiring for Food Service Associate jobs?

Cities near Kinston, NC with the most Food Service Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Food Service Associate job openings in Kinston, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,635 per year, or $14.7 per hour.

FT Frozen Food Dairy Associate (266723)

Ahold Delhaize

Kinston, NC

$13 - $17/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Ahold Delhaize USA rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

75th of 124 rated grocery stores


Job description

At Food Lion, Associates are the most important assets to our organization. We want associates to have meaningful careers full of variety and challenges. Each associate contributes to the overall success of Food Lion, and in return, we strive to provide all associates with a fulfilling work experience and reward performance and commitment. We are committed to the professional development of our associates through on-the-job learning opportunities and training.

FT FFD Associate

Food Lion provides equal employment opportunities to all associates and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related conditions) national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity or gender expression or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you have a disability and require assistance in the application process, please contact our Recruiting Department at recruiting@foodlion.com


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