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Fresh Foods Associate Jobs in Portland, MI (NOW HIRING)

Tom's Food Center

Deli Associate

Portland, MI · On-site

$14/hr

Properly use equipment to cook hot foods, prepare and package sandwiches, special orders and other ... Our stores feature Fresh Produce, In-Store Bakeries, Delicatessens, and Meat departments to ...

Tom's Food Center

Deli Associate

Portland, MI · On-site

$14/hr

Properly use equipment to cook hot foods, prepare and package sandwiches, special orders and other ... Our stores feature Fresh Produce, In-Store Bakeries, Delicatessens, and Meat departments to ...

Panda Restaurant Group

Service Team

Okemos, MI

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

Join us as a Service Team Associate We're looking for friendly team players to create a warm ... Follows Operations Standards and Safety Procedure to serve fresh and quality food * Works ...

Panda Restaurant Group

Service Team

Lansing, MI

$14 - $18.75/hr

Join us as a Service Team Associate We're looking for friendly team players to create a warm ... Follows Operations Standards and Safety Procedure to serve fresh and quality food * Works ...

Panda Restaurant Group

Service Team

Caledonia, MI

$15 - $20.25/hr

Join us as a Service Team Associate We're looking for friendly team players to create a warm ... Follows Operations Standards and Safety Procedure to serve fresh and quality food * Works ...

Panda Restaurant Group

Service Team

East Lansing, MI · On-site

$15.25 - $20.25/hr

Join us as a Service Team Associate We're looking for friendly team players to create a warm ... Follows Operations Standards and Safety Procedure to serve fresh and quality food * Works ...

Panda Restaurant Group

Service Team (Indeed Event)

Okemos, MI · On-site

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

Join us as a Kitchen Team Associate We're looking for friendly team players to cook delicious food ... Follows Operations Standards and Safety Procedure to serve fresh and quality food * Works ...

Panda Restaurant Group

Service Team

Okemos, MI

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

Join us as a Service Team Associate We're looking for friendly team players to create a warm ... Follows Operations Standards and Safety Procedure to serve fresh and quality food * Works ...

Panda Restaurant Group

Service Team

East Lansing, MI · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Join us as a Service Team Associate We're looking for friendly team players to create a warm ... Follows Operations Standards and Safety Procedure to serve fresh and quality food * Works ...

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Fresh Foods Associate information

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How much do fresh foods associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for fresh foods associate in Portland, MI is $12.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.88 and $13.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a fresh foods associate do?

A Fresh Foods Associate is responsible for maintaining the quality and presentation of fresh food items in a grocery store or supermarket. Their duties typically include stocking and rotating products, ensuring cleanliness and food safety, assisting customers with selections, and sometimes preparing fresh items like salads or baked goods. They play a key role in providing excellent customer service and ensuring that the store’s fresh food sections are attractive and well-stocked. Attention to detail and knowledge of food safety practices are important in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fresh foods associate?

To thrive as a Fresh Foods Associate, you need a solid understanding of food safety, product handling, and inventory management, often supported by on-the-job training or prior retail experience. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, labeling equipment, and basic food preparation tools is typically required. Strong customer service skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help associates stand out in this role. These abilities ensure a positive shopping experience for customers, maintain product quality, and support efficient store operations.

What are some common challenges fresh foods associates face when working in a fast-paced grocery environment?

Fresh Foods Associates often encounter challenges such as maintaining high standards of food safety and quality while serving customers quickly, especially during peak hours. Balancing inventory management, keeping displays appealing, and ensuring products are always fresh requires strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Additionally, associates regularly collaborate with other departments to coordinate restocking and promotional activities, which helps build teamwork but can also add complexity to daily tasks. Adapting to changing customer needs and staying updated on food safety regulations are also key aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Fresh Foods Associate vs Grocery Clerk?

AspectFresh Foods AssociateGrocery Clerk
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety training often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic customer service skills
Work EnvironmentPerishables section, including produce, dairy, or meat departmentsGeneral grocery aisles, stocking shelves, assisting customers
Employer & Industry UsageSupermarkets, grocery stores, specialty food storesSupermarkets, convenience stores, big-box retailers
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on handling fresh perishable items and food safetyBroader retail duties, less specialized in perishables

The Fresh Foods Associate primarily handles perishable items like produce, dairy, and meat, requiring food safety knowledge. In contrast, a Grocery Clerk performs general stocking and customer service duties across the entire store. Both roles are common in grocery retail but differ in specialization and daily tasks.

Fresh Foods Associate jobs near you

Deli Associate

Portland, MI • On-site

Tom's Food Center
51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Tom's Food Centerexternal

$14/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

We're looking for our next awesome Deli Associate.


You must be at least 18 years of age and not enrolled in High School to be considered for this position.


What you'll do:

  • Properly use equipment to cook hot foods, prepare and package sandwiches, special orders and other items as needed
  • Accurately and efficiently weigh, package and label products
  • Offer suggestions to customers to complement their selections
  • Properly fill, rotate, and merchandise deli shelves, cases and displays

Additional Information & Requirements:

Peak your interest? Here are the qualifications and skills you will need:

  • One (1) year of prior retail or related experience preferred
  • Good verbal communication skills to effectively interact with customers
  • Basic mathematical, reading, writing and arithmetic skills required
  • Ability to read, write, comprehend and interpret documents and instructions
  • You must be at least 18 years of age and not enrolled in High School to be considered for this position.

Physical requirements: May be required to lift and/or move up to 30 pounds frequently, and up to 50 pounds occasionally. The associate is required to stand and walk for extended periods of time and may bend, stoop, twist and turn frequently. May be required to travel. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is subject to a typical retail store environment (varied temperatures) and is rarely exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee will be exposed to refrigerated/freezer coolers on a frequent basis. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

We are a family owned and operated Supermarket with locations in Portland and Okemos Michigan. Our stores feature Fresh Produce, In-Store Bakeries, Delicatessens, and Meat departments to complement the many items in our Grocery aisles.
We're always looking for great people who embrace new challenges, enjoy serving people and support each other in that mission. We hope that you will consider joining our team.

Education:no requirementsEmployment Type: PART_TIME

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