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Local Meal Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$32 - $34/hr

House Manager & Family Assistant w/ Meal Planning and Prep Employment Type: Part-time (15-20 hours ... Run local errands such as picking up mail, packages, dry cleaning, or grocery items. * Take out ...

Employee Meal Cook

Mullen, NE

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Position Summary A vital element of this position is the planning and preparation of employee meals ... Regularly scheduled shuttle trips to our local town of Mullen, NE and the larger trading center of ...

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Local Meal Planner information

See salary details

$37K

$86.7K

$148K

How much do local meal planner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for local meal planner in the United States is $86,720.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,000.00 and $127,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a local meal planner?

Local meal planners are professionals who help individuals or families create meal plans using locally sourced ingredients. They focus on designing nutritious, budget-friendly menus that highlight seasonal and regional foods. Local meal planners may also offer grocery shopping guidance, recipe suggestions, and tips for reducing food waste. Their services support healthy eating habits and strengthen connections to local food systems.

How does a local meal planner typically work with clients and local food suppliers to create customized meal plans?

A Local Meal Planner often collaborates closely with clients to assess dietary preferences, nutritional goals, and any allergies or restrictions. They also build relationships with local farmers, markets, and food suppliers to source fresh, seasonal ingredients. This dual collaboration ensures that meal plans are not only tailored to the client's needs but also emphasize local and sustainable options. Regular communication with both clients and suppliers is key to keeping menus exciting and relevant, and the role may involve coordinating deliveries or pickups to streamline the process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a local meal planner, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Local Meal Planner, you need strong knowledge of nutrition, menu planning, and local food sourcing, often supported by a background in dietetics or culinary arts. Familiarity with meal planning software, recipe databases, and inventory management systems is highly beneficial. Excellent communication, creativity, and organizational skills help you tailor meal plans to individual preferences and dietary requirements. These skills ensure nutritious, appealing, and cost-effective meal plans that meet clients' needs while making the most of local ingredients.

What is the difference between Local Meal Planner vs Personal Chef?

AspectLocal Meal PlannerPersonal Chef
CredentialsNutrition certifications, dietitian or nutritionist credentials often preferredCulinary training, chef certifications, cooking experience
Work EnvironmentPrimarily remote or client-site meal planning, sometimes in grocery stores or health clinicsPrivate kitchens, events, or client homes, hands-on cooking
Industry UsageHealth, wellness, and diet-focused servicesLuxury, entertainment, and personal service sectors
Search & Comparison IntentPeople seeking diet plans, meal prep, or nutrition adviceClients wanting customized, prepared meals and in-person cooking

While both roles focus on food and meal services, a Local Meal Planner primarily develops diet plans and meal schedules, often remotely, emphasizing nutrition. A Personal Chef provides hands-on cooking and meal preparation in clients' homes, offering a more personalized culinary experience. Understanding these differences helps clients choose the right service based on their needs.

How much do local meal planners get paid?

Local meal planners typically earn between $12 and $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and whether they work independently or for a company. Salaries can vary based on the complexity of meal plans and the level of client demand.

What cities are hiring for Local Meal Planner jobs?

Cities with the most Local Meal Planner job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Meal Planner jobs?

The most popular types of Meal Planner jobs are:

What states have the most Local Meal Planner jobs?

States with the most job openings for Local Meal Planner jobs include:

Infographic showing various Local Meal Planner job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,720 per year, or $41.7 per hour.

PROGRAM MANAGER 2

MEALS ON WHEELS PEOPLE INC

Portland, OR โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Meals on Wheels People is an organization founded in and by the community! Over the past 50 years, our non-profit has helped thousands of older adults in the Portland Metro area keep their independence through weekly meal delivery and social connections. Our culture reflects our five values: integrity, commitment, respect, inclusion, creativity, and TEAMWORK. With over 20 meal delivery centers throughout Multnomah, Washington, and Clark counties, our staff and thousands of volunteers ensure that no adult over 60 goes hungry or experiences social isolation.

Make a meaningful impact while working in a supportive and collaborative environment that values your well-being. Enjoy the benefits of a four-day workweek, ample quality time off, and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k)-retirement plan, pet insurance, a wellness program, professional development opportunities, an Employee Assistance Program, and mileage reimbursement.

We are seeking aย Program Manager II who is responsible for management of the day-to-day operation of the senior dining and Meals on Wheels home delivery services. Responsibilities include recruitment, management and development of employees and volunteers; programming to increase multicultural participation and socialization opportunities for seniors and growth of community involvement; management of local meal service partnerships and contracts. Responsible for meeting fundraising goals, cultivating contacts and support within the community and participating in committee leadership and/or special projects in support of the Strategic Plan.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Functions)

  • Manage the safe and efficient preparation of senior dining and Meals on Wheels home delivery services following all Meals on Wheels People Food Service Manual procedures and Health Department regulations

  • Achieve client satisfaction benchmarks of the Strategic Plan

  • Plan and implement multicultural mealsย and community celebrationsย that generateinterest and increased attendance in the meal program to achieve benchmarks of the Strategic Plan

  • Ensure site operations remain within approved budget, monitoring inventory and expenses to meet budget allocations

  • Responsible for recruitment, management, training and development of staff and volunteers

  • Follow all guidelines to create and maintain a safe work environment for participants, volunteers and staff.

  • Recruit, screen, train, schedule and recognize staff and volunteers

  • Responsible for meeting fundraising goals as outlined in the annual fundraising plan

  • Responsible for committee leadership and/or special projects in support of the Strategic Plan

  • Develop and maintain effective community relations within assigned service area

  • Manage assigned meal service partnerships and contracts for food insecure and insular populations

  • Assist with planning and execution of regional community events that generate awareness of Meals on Wheels People services at the center and the agency, achieving annual fundraising and other community development goals.

  • Complete all required administrative tasks as assigned

  • Ensure Meals on Wheels People property and inventories are properly maintained and secured

  • Participate in in-service training and attend required meetings

  • Support mission, vision, values and strategic plan of Meals on Wheels People, Inc.

  • Other duties as assigned

Education & Knowledge

  • High School diploma or equivalent required; Associate certification or two yearsโ€™ work experience in, Gerontology, Management, Social Work, Community Nutrition, or other related field preferred
  • Knowledge of food service procedures and current Food Handlerโ€™s Card
  • Current ServSafe certification, equivalent or ability to obtain one within 18 months of hire

Skills, Abilities & Experience

  • Minimum 2 year of experience in nutrition management or program management position
  • Language proficiency in English/Spanish, Vietnamese, Russian, Asian, or African languages is highly valued. Successfully passing a fluency exam in any of these languages qualifies candidates for an extra $1 per hour pay rate.
  • Valid driverโ€™s license, auto insurance and transportation required
  • Proven ability to effectively engage and manage a team of employees and volunteers
  • Excellent organizational, record keeping, time management and multi-tasking skills including the ability to set priorities and be flexible to last-minute changes
  • Skill and motivation to work with a multicultural and socially diverse populations with the ability to effectively communicate with diverse populations including aging, minority, low income and persons with disabilities
  • Proven experience in effectively managing budgets and fundraising activities
  • Willing to work extended hours to support special activities and other deadlines

Any satisfactory combination of experience, training and/or education which ensures the ability to perform the work may substitute for the above qualifications.

Working Conditions/Physical Demands

Fast paced, with significant people interaction. May be required to move up to 50lbs and occasional reaching, bending and stooping. Ability to operate general office equipment. Must pass drug and alcohol test and criminal background check.

Disclaimer

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise; employment in this job is an โ€œat willโ€ employment relationship.

Applications must be completed fully (including references) in order to be considered