1

Food Source Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

So in 2018, CookUnity was founded as the first-of-its-kind platform that connects the world with the source of truly great food: chefs. Today, CookUnity delivers 50 million meals a year from the ...

IOC Clerk

Whittier, CA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

To fulfill our mission, we source and acquire nutritious food and other products and distribute them to people experiencing nutrition insecurity through our partner agency network and directly ...

Showing results 41-60

Food Source information

See California salary details

$7

$17

$33

How much do food source jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for food source in California is $17.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.36 and $20.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food source?

Food sources are the origins or providers of the nutrients and energy that humans and animals consume to sustain life. These sources can be broadly categorized into plant-based (such as fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes) and animal-based (such as meat, dairy, fish, and eggs). Understanding food sources is essential for balanced nutrition, food safety, and sustainable food systems. Food sources also play a crucial role in dietary choices, cultural practices, and environmental impact.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food sourcing specialist?

To thrive as a Food Sourcing Specialist, you need a solid understanding of supply chain management, food safety regulations, and vendor negotiation, often backed by a bachelor’s degree in business, agriculture, or a related field. Familiarity with procurement software, inventory management systems, and certifications like HACCP or SQF are typically required. Strong relationship-building, problem-solving, and communication skills help you collaborate effectively with suppliers and internal teams. These abilities ensure a reliable, cost-effective, and safe supply of food products, which is crucial for business success and customer satisfaction.

What are the typical challenges faced by food sourcing specialists in maintaining supplier relationships?

Food sourcing specialists often face challenges such as fluctuating ingredient prices, varying supplier reliability, and ensuring consistent quality standards. Building and maintaining strong supplier relationships requires effective communication, proactive problem-solving, and regular on-site visits or audits. Additionally, specialists must stay informed about market trends and regulations to adapt sourcing strategies and minimize supply chain disruptions.

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

AspectFood SourceFood Service Worker
CredentialsMay require food handling permits or certificationsOften requires food safety training or permits
Work EnvironmentFood production, sourcing, or supply chain settingsRestaurants, cafeterias, catering services
Industry UsageUsed in supply chain, procurement, and sourcing rolesCustomer service, food preparation, service roles
Search/Comparison IntentUnderstanding sourcing vs service roles in food industryDifferences between food sourcing and service jobs

Food Source roles focus on procuring, sourcing, and managing food supplies within the supply chain or production environment. Food Service Worker roles involve direct interaction with customers, preparing, and serving food in various service settings. While both roles are essential in the food industry, they differ in responsibilities, work environments, and required certifications.

What are popular job titles related to Food Source jobs in California?

For Food Source jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Source jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Source jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Food Source jobs?

Cities in California with the most Food Source job openings:

Infographic showing various Food Source job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,644 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Food Production Lead

CookUnity

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Full-time

Medical

Re-posted 17 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Operate the automated plating system during scheduled production and testing runs.

  • Verify that finished meals meet quality, presentation, and portion standards, and perform routine checks on ingredients, weights, and outputs.

  • Identify and resolve basic mechanical or operational issues in real time, and assist with machine setup and changeovers.


Job description

About CookUnity:

Food has lost its soul to modern convenience. And with it, it has lost the power to nourish, inspire, and connect us. So in 2018, CookUnity was founded as the first-of-its-kind platform that connects the world with the source of truly great food: chefs. Today, CookUnity delivers 50 million meals a year from the industry's best chefs to homes all over the country. Fresh. Ready-to-eat. And crafted with the passion that nourishes body and soul.

Unwilling to stop there, CookUnity is expanding beyond delivery to become an ever-innovating marketplace focused on our singular mission: empower Chefs to nourish the world.

If that mission has you hungry in more ways than one, you've found the right job posting.

The Role

The Plating Robot Operator is responsible for operating, monitoring, and maintaining the automated plating system to ensure accurate, efficient, and high-quality meal assembly. This role plays a critical part in executing automated production processes, troubleshooting issues in real time, and ensuring consistency in product output.


Key Responsibilities1. Machine Operation & Production
  • Operate the plating robot during scheduled production and testing runs
  • Ensure accurate portioning, ingredient placement, and build quality according to specifications
  • Start up, shut down, and monitor the machine throughout shifts
  • Maintain consistent throughput while minimizing errors or downtime

2. Quality Control
  • Verify that finished meals meet quality, presentation, and portion standards
  • Perform routine checks on ingredients, weights, and outputs
  • Flag and fix defective or incorrect builds
  • Maintain a clean and organized workstation in line with food safety standards

3. Troubleshooting & Issue Escalation
  • Identify and resolve basic mechanical or operational issues in real time
  • Escalate more complex issues as needed
  • Document errors, downtime, and recurring issues to support system improvements

4. Setup & Changeovers
  • Assist with machine setup for different recipes, SKUs, or test configurations
  • Load ingredients, containers, and materials into the system
  • Support changeovers between production runs


Profile / What Good Looks Like
  • Comfortable working with machinery or automated systems (food production experience a plus)
  • Strong attention to detail and consistency
  • Ability to follow SOPs and safety protocols precisely
  • Quick problem-solver with a hands-on mindset
  • Able to stand for long periods and work in a fast-paced kitchen/production environment
  • Proficient in Spanish

Role Details
  • Hourly, non-exempt role
  • Based in a kitchen / production environment
  • May require early mornings, evenings, or weekend shifts depending on production schedules
Benefits
  • Weekly pay
  • Healthcare coverage through Cigna
  • Daily lunch provided
  • Growth and advancement opportunities
CompensationAll final pay rates will be determined by candidates experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.
Pay Range for this position
$22—$24 USD

If you're interested in this role, please submit your application, and if we think you might be a fit, we'll get in touch with you. Thank you for your time!

CookUnity is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are dedicated to creating a community of inclusion and an environment free from discrimination or harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or physical or mental disability.

A quick note for all candidates
We've recently seen an increase in recruitment scams across the industry, and we want to make sure you (and your data) stay safe while applying to CookUnity. We also want you to know that we take this seriously — sometimes, as part of our process, we may ask for a brief "proof of humanity" to confirm that we're connecting with a real person, not an impersonator. Here are a few tips to help you protect yourself and know what to expect from us:

  • Apply only through our official channels. All open roles are listed on our official careers page: careers.cookunity.com
  • Our recruiters are real people — and easy to verify. You can always find them on LinkedIn with verified profiles. If you're unsure, feel free to reach out to us on our official LinkedIn Company Page.
  • We only communicate through official CookUnity channels. That means emails ending in @cookunity.com and interviews held through official company platforms (Google Meet or Zoom) — never WhatsApp, Telegram, or SMS.
  • We'll never ask for payment or personal financial details. If anyone does, please don't share any information and let us know right away.

If something ever feels off or you're unsure about a message, we'd much rather you double-check with us. You can always contact us directly through any of our social media channels. We appreciate your interest in joining CookUnity — and we care about keeping your experience (and safety) as genuine as possible.