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Food Services Associate Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

$15 - $19.50/hr

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 ...

$15 - $19.50/hr

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 ...

The Food Service General Manager shall hold a degree in Hospitality Management or Associates Degree in Culinary Arts. * Minimum ten (5) years of food service support experience and five (5) years of ...

The Food Service General Manager shall hold a degree in Hospitality Management or Associates Degree in Culinary Arts. * Minimum ten (5) years of food service support experience and five (5) years of ...

Food Service Associate

Pennington, VA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Food Service Associates should expect to be cross trained in multiple areas with varying ... services and products we provide. Whether your passion is baking, accounting, or trucking, Food ...

Food Service Associate

Lebanon, VA · On-site

$11.50 - $15/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Food Service Associates should expect to be cross trained in multiple areas with varying ... services and products we provide. Whether your passion is baking, accounting, or trucking, Food ...

Food Service Associate

Pulaski, VA · On-site

$12.25 - $16/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Food Service Associates should expect to be cross trained in multiple areas with varying ... services and products we provide. Whether your passion is baking, accounting, or trucking, Food ...

Food Service Associate

Weber City, VA · On-site

$13 - $17/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Food Service Associates should expect to be cross trained in multiple areas with varying ... services and products we provide. Whether your passion is baking, accounting, or trucking, Food ...

Food Service Associate

Wise, VA · On-site

$14 - $18.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Food Service Associates should expect to be cross trained in multiple areas with varying ... services and products we provide. Whether your passion is baking, accounting, or trucking, Food ...

Food Service Associate

Wytheville, VA · On-site

$13.75 - $17.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Food Service Associates should expect to be cross trained in multiple areas with varying ... services and products we provide. Whether your passion is baking, accounting, or trucking, Food ...

Food Service Associate

Damascus, VA · On-site

$11.75 - $15.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Food Service Associates should expect to be cross trained in multiple areas with varying ... services and products we provide. Whether your passion is baking, accounting, or trucking, Food ...

Food Service Associate

Chilhowie, VA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Food Service Associates should expect to be cross trained in multiple areas with varying ... services and products we provide. Whether your passion is baking, accounting, or trucking, Food ...

Food Service Associate

Bristol, VA · On-site

$11.50 - $15/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Food Service Associates should expect to be cross trained in multiple areas with varying ... services and products we provide. Whether your passion is baking, accounting, or trucking, Food ...

Showing results 21-40

Food Services Associate information

See Virginia salary details

$9

$15

$20

How much do food services associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for food services 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 a food services associate?

Food Services Associates are professionals who assist in the preparation, serving, and clean-up of meals in various establishments such as hospitals, schools, restaurants, and cafeterias. Their responsibilities often include taking food orders, serving meals to customers or patients, maintaining cleanliness in dining and kitchen areas, and ensuring food safety standards are met. They play a crucial role in providing excellent customer service and supporting the overall operation of the food service environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food services associate?

To thrive as a Food Services Associate, you need basic food handling knowledge, attention to cleanliness, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, food safety certifications (such as ServSafe), and kitchen equipment is typically required. Excellent communication, teamwork, and customer service skills help you succeed in a fast-paced environment. These abilities ensure safe food preparation, positive customer experiences, and efficient service operations.

What are some common challenges faced by food services associates when working during peak meal times?

Food Services Associates often encounter high-pressure situations during peak meal times, such as lunch and dinner rushes. Managing large volumes of orders while maintaining accuracy and ensuring food safety can be challenging. Effective communication with kitchen staff and staying organized are essential to prevent delays or mistakes. Adapting to fast-paced environments and handling customer inquiries with professionalism are also important skills for success in this role.

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

AspectFood Services AssociateFood Service Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, cafeterias, hospitals, schoolsRestaurants, cafeterias, hospitals, schools
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in healthcare, education, and hospitality sectorsWidely used across food service establishments
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with food prep, serving, cleaning, customer serviceServing food, cleaning, basic food prep

The Food Services Associate and Food Service Worker roles are similar in credentials, work environment, and industry usage. Both positions involve food handling, customer service, and cleaning tasks in various food service settings. The main difference often lies in specific job duties or employer terminology, but they are generally interchangeable in many establishments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Services jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Food Services jobs in Virginia are:

What job categories do people searching Food Services Associate jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Services Associate jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Food Services Associate jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Food Services Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Food Services Associate job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,526 per year, or $15.6 per hour.

$15 - $19.50/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Smithfield, Virginia

Hiring Range

$15.00 - $19.50/Hourly Actual 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.