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Foods Associate Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Apple Valley Foods

Production Associate

Austin, MN

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

Production Associate ID: 1040 Location: Austin, MN Department: Operations More about this job ... Copyright 2026 Apple Valley Foods- US. All rights reserved. Powered by ApplicantStack Hiring ...

Upper Lakes Foods

Warehouse Associate-Receiving

Northfield, MN · On-site

$16.75 - $20/hr

As a Warehouse Associate - Receiving Team Member, you'll be one of the first people to handle those ... Upper Lakes Foods is the largest independent wholesale food distributor in Minnesota, proudly ...

Niemann Foods

ACE Hardware Sales Associate

Edina, MN

$18/hr

SUMMARY The ACE Hardware Sales Associate is responsible for processing and stocking of product ... Niemann Foods Management retains the discretion to add to or change the position requirements at ...

Niemann Foods

ACE Hardware Sales Associate

Edina, MN

$18/hr

SUMMARY The ACE Hardware Sales Associate is responsible for processing and stocking of product ... Niemann Foods Management retains the discretion to add to or change the position requirements at ...

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All JobsFoods Associate JobsFoods Associate Jobs in Minnesota

Foods Associate information

What is a foods associate?

Foods Associates are employees who work in the food service areas of establishments like theme parks, stadiums, restaurants, or supermarkets. Their main responsibilities include preparing and serving food and beverages, maintaining cleanliness, handling cash transactions, and providing excellent customer service. Foods Associates often work as part of a team to ensure guests have a positive dining experience. They may also be responsible for restocking supplies, following food safety procedures, and assisting with inventory. This is an entry-level position that can provide valuable experience in the food service industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a foods associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Foods Associate, you need basic food handling knowledge, attention to cleanliness, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, food safety certifications (like ServSafe), and kitchen equipment is often required. Strong customer service skills, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure help you stand out in this role. These skills ensure a safe, efficient, and welcoming environment for customers while maintaining food quality and compliance with health standards.

What are some common challenges foods associates face during busy service hours, and how can they manage them effectively?

Foods Associates often experience high-pressure situations during peak meal times, where quick service and accuracy are essential. Managing long lines, coordinating with kitchen staff, and ensuring food safety standards are upheld can be demanding. Effective communication, staying organized, and maintaining a calm, positive attitude help manage these challenges. Many employers also provide training on multitasking and teamwork, which are crucial for success in this fast-paced environment.

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

AspectFoods AssociateFood Service Worker
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often required
Work EnvironmentGrocery stores, supermarkets, food retailRestaurants, cafeterias, catering services
Employer & Industry UsageRetail food industryFood service industry
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Foods Associates and Food Service Workers often share similar certifications and work environments, but Foods Associates typically work in retail food settings like grocery stores, focusing on stocking, customer assistance, and food handling. Food Service Workers are more common in restaurants and catering, handling food preparation and service. Both roles require food safety knowledge and customer service skills, but their work environments and daily tasks differ.

What are the most commonly searched types of Foods jobs in Minnesota?

The most popular types of Foods jobs in Minnesota are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Foods Associate jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Foods Associate job openings:

Foods Associate jobs near you

Bakery Associate - Cub Foods

Kowalski's Markets

Saint Paul, MN

$20.95 - $21.50/hr

Part-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Kowalski's Markets rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Please Note: Pay Rate is Based off of Experience

Kowalski Companies is a family-owned business. We use a civic business model that ensures sustainability and promotes building right relationships with customers and employees. Being a part of the Kowalski’s team means you are a part of a company that is dedicated to exceptional customer service, quality foods, and promotes local and family-owned businesses.

Being a Bakery Associate at Kowalski’s Cub Foods (off 35E and Highway 96) offers the opportunity to learn the intricacies of a grocers’ bakery including time-prioritization, professional food handling that meets health code standards, and customer hospitality. Our bakery is focused on preparing both delicate and savory baked goods that allows our customers to have plenty of options to choose from.

Bakery associates are responsible for building right relationships with their coworkers and customers through transparent and respectful communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Food handlers in our bakery will also follow strict health and safety guidelines to meet our quality standards. The ideal candidate for this position is someone who can manage their time effectively and independently, fill and rotate products, maintain cleanliness standards, and provide excellent customer service.

Some food service/kitchen experience preferred but not required! Kowalski’s provides extensive, in-person, hands-on training that thoroughly educates new employees on how to perform their jobs safely, quickly, and efficiently.

Requirements: 

  • Now hiring for availability of 12pm-8pm
  • Available to be scheduled 20-30 hours/week year-round
  • Must be available weekdays and weekends.
  • Ensure quality and safety of food
  • Comfortable speaking to customers in an energetic and helpful manner 
  • Strong attention to detail with the ability to multitask
  • Ability to work independently
  • Interest in preparing and handling food
  • Adherence to health codes and sanitation standards 
  • Interest in product knowledge
  • Understand that you have the power to impact a customers or coworkers day in a positive way  

Benefits: 

  • 20% Kowalski's store discount for transactions over $10
  • Weekly pay 
  • Vacation and holiday pay
  • Annual company picnic 
  • Holiday parties 
  • Employee appreciation luncheons 
  • Scholarship opportunities 
  • 401k plan 
     

This position is part of the UFCW local 1189 Union, which provides: 

  • Guaranteed raises 
  • Ancillary benefits 
  • Employee assistance programs
  • Scholarship opportunities 
  • And more!  

What Kowalski's Markets employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Kowalski's Markets

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Kowalski's Markets were created out of our family's love and passion for delicious, healthy foods and inspired by families looking for a place where they'd love to shop and be proud to call their own. The flow of our markets is designed to be easy and convenient. The environment is relaxed and well organized. It's the kind of place you'll feel comfortable running into for a quick gift or a forgotten item. Most importantly, it's a place where you can shop at your own pace, mingle freely with staff and friends, and discover something new each time you visit. Whether it's your first time shopping with us or you've been a loyal customer for years, we promise to always do our best to make you feel like family.

Industry

Supermarkets and grocery stores

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Paul, MN, US

Year founded

1983

Social media

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