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Food Service Associate Jobs in Makanda, IL (NOW HIRING)

Join the Team as a Food Service Sales Associate!Are you ready to embark on a thrilling journey in the world of food service? As a Food Service Sales Associate, you'll be the heart and soul of our ...

Associate Shopping Program * Health and Wellness Programs * Discount Marketplace * Identity Theft ... food service needs decline or cease). Any such periods during which you do not perform work on the ...

Food Service Team Supervisor

Carbondale, IL ยท On-site

$21 - $32.55/hr

Associates Degree preferred Licenses and Certification * Food Service Managers Certification * Food Allergens Certification Experience and Skills * Technical Experience: 2 years * Leadership ...

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Food Service Associate information

See Makanda, IL salary details

$8

$15

$20

How much do food service associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service associate in Makanda, IL is $15.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.17 and $17.16 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.

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 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 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.
What cities near Makanda, IL are hiring for Food Service Associate jobs? Cities near Makanda, IL with the most Food Service Associate job openings:

Food Service - Huck's Food Svc Associate

Huck's Market

Marion, IL โ€ข On-site

$15/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

This is so much more than just a job!
Come join a company where you have an opportunity to be an owner. We are a 100% Employee-Owned Company.
It takes a special person to be an Associate with Huck's. Our standards for customer service and store cleanliness are extremely high. All our Associates are expected to give our customers fast, friendly service at all times.
Our golden rule: "The customer is the most important person in all our stores."
Job Title: Food Service Associate
Job Purpose:
Every Huck's Market Food Service Associate plays a key role in running the food service area smoothly and effectively. By following company guidelines, Associates help make sure the department stays profitable while delivering top-notch quality food and customer service.
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
General Responsibilities
  • Ensures that the food service department is open and ready for business during food service hours
  • Gives all customers prompt and courteous service
  • Effectively communicates with store associates
  • Follows all federal, state and local laws and ordinances pertaining to the operation of the store
  • Controls how much food is prepared to avoid waste, while making sure there's always enough for customers

Human Resources
  • Treats all associates with dignity and respect
  • Advises store manager of any personnel situations or policy violations having an adverse effect on store operating performance
  • Assist in training new associates on proper completion of their job duties

Security
  • Ensures all associate shift procedures are followed
  • Ensures a safe shopping and working environment
  • Ensures all safety rules are followed and protective equipment used

Merchandising
  • Ensures current plan-o-grams are being used
  • Communicate with Manager any special needs or request
  • Alerts Manager about ordering merchandise to prevent out of stocks and maintain proper inventory levels as directed

Huck's Bucks Loyalty App
  • Actively promote the Huck's Bucks Loyalty app to customers
  • Communicate to customers the benefits of signing up and using the app
  • Monitor transactions for potential misuse of points or discounts
  • Assist customers on how to sign up and use the app for discounts and redemption

Maintenance
  • Ensures the food service appearance reflects company expectations and standards
  • All food service display cases and glass are clean
  • Reports any maintenance problems that cannot be corrected immediately without assistance to the store manager
  • Ensures all food service areas are kept clean and follows all sanitation procedures

Safety
  • Ensures that ladders are properly used
  • Ensures that lifting procedures are followed per company policy
  • Ensures that wet floor signs are used, per company policy
  • Reports accidents promptly to the Store Manager and Corporate office

Benefits:
  • Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
  • Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, and life insurances, ESOP, 401K with match, paid time off, and paid holidays.
  • Opportunities for career advancement and professional development within a growing company.
  • Employee discounts for food and fuel.

The Requirements, Duties, and Responsibilities list is incomplete but is merely the most accurate list for the current job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description and to require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, or technical development).
Huck's is an equal opportunity employer. At Huck's we are committed to treating all Applicants and Team Members fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other classifications protected by law.