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Pantry Chef Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Food Pantry Volunteer

Marion, IA · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

Food Pantry Coordinator Pay Grade:N/A Location:Marion Public Library JOB SUMMARY The Food Pantry Volunteer position supports the Marion Public Library's mission to provide a food pantry that offers ...

Executive Chef

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$70K - $96K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Discounts at all Kinseth Hotel Corporation hotels and restaurants SUMMARY Supervises and coordinates activities of food preparation, kitchen, pantry, and storeroom personnel by performing the ...

Executive Chef

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$70K - $96K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Discounts at all Kinseth Hotel Corporation hotels and restaurants SUMMARY Supervises and coordinates activities of food preparation, kitchen, pantry, and storeroom personnel by performing the ...

Executive Chef

Urbandale, IA · On-site

$67K - $92K/yr

SUMMARY Supervises and coordinates activities of food preparation, kitchen, pantry, and storeroom personnel by performing the following duties. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the ...

Executive Chef

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$62K - $85K/yr

SUMMARY Supervises and coordinates activities of food preparation, kitchen, pantry, and storeroom personnel by performing the following duties. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the ...

Dining Cook-Roundsperson I

Grinnell, IA · On-site

$12.50 - $16.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Under the leadership and guidance of award-winning Executive Chef Scott Turley, Roundsperson staff ... Flexible to work where needed in production to include The Spencer Grill, Pantry, and Presentation ...

Line Cook

Moravia, IA · On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

Head Chef & Restaurant Manager FLSA Designation: Non-Exempt WHAT TO EXPECT Food Preparation ... Manage a specific station (e.g., grill, sauté, or pantry) during service, including cooking ...

Line Cook (Evening Shift)

Osceola, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

... the Executive Chef. EXPECTED CONTRIBUTIONS INCLUDE (Other Duties May Be Assigned) * Sets up ... prep, and pantry. * Prepares all food items according to standard recipes to ensure product ...

Line Cook (Evening Shift)

Osceola, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... the Executive Chef. EXPECTED CONTRIBUTIONS INCLUDE (Other Duties May Be Assigned) * Sets up ... prep, and pantry. * Prepares all food items according to standard recipes to ensure product ...

Pantry Chef information

See Iowa salary details

$10

$16

$21

How much do pantry chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for pantry chef in Iowa is $16.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $17.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Pantry Chef, you need a solid understanding of food preparation, plating, and safe food handling, often backed by culinary training or kitchen experience. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and HACCP protocols is typically required. Attention to detail, time management, and teamwork are standout soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure consistent quality, efficient kitchen operations, and adherence to food safety standards.

What is a pantry chef?

A pantry chef, also known as a garde manger, prepares cold dishes, including chilled soups, salads, and cold appetizers. These foodservice professionals usually work in a restaurant or banquet hall and sometimes cook hot meals as well. As a pantry chef, your job duties may include washing and carving fruit, arranging and garnishing food displays, and marinating foods. You may also brew coffee, find ways to repurpose leftovers, and ensure the kitchen is properly stocked and cleaned. The career typically requires an associate degree in culinary arts and professional experience working in a kitchen. Many entry-level candidates gain on-the-job training through an apprenticeship program. You may also pursue professional certifications, such as the Certified Sous Chef (CSC) credential by the American Culinary Federation, to help boost your job prospects. Additional qualifications include excellent cold food preparation skills and knowledge of kitchen health and safety guidelines.

What is the difference between Pantry Chef vs Line Cook?

AspectPantry ChefLine Cook
ResponsibilitiesPrepares cold dishes, salads, garnishes, and pantry itemsPrepares hot dishes and executes menu items on the line
Work EnvironmentKitchen pantry or cold stationHot line stations during service
CredentialsBasic culinary training, food safety certificationsSimilar culinary training, often same certifications

Both Pantry Chefs and Line Cooks work in professional kitchens, often within the same industry. The Pantry Chef focuses on cold dishes and pantry items, while the Line Cook handles hot dishes during service. They share similar credentials and work environments, but their specific roles differ based on the station and type of food prepared.

What does a pantry chef do?

A pantry chef is responsible for preparing and organizing cold dishes, salads, and garnishes, as well as managing ingredients stored in the pantry. They ensure the freshness and presentation of cold menu items and often assist with inventory and station setup in a professional kitchen. Strong knife skills and knowledge of food safety are essential for this role.

What are some common challenges faced by a pantry chef, and how can they be managed effectively?

One of the primary challenges for a Pantry Chef is maintaining the freshness and quality of perishable ingredients, as salads, cold appetizers, and dressings require proper storage and quick turnover. Additionally, working during peak service hours can be fast-paced, requiring strong organizational skills to ensure timely plating and presentation. Collaboration with other kitchen staff is essential, as the Pantry Chef must coordinate with line cooks and kitchen management to keep up with demand. Staying proactive with prep work and maintaining clear communication helps manage these challenges efficiently.

What are popular job titles related to Pantry Chef jobs in Iowa?

For Pantry Chef jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Pantry Chef jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Pantry Chef jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Pantry Chef jobs in IA?

For Pantry Chef jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Pantry Chef job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,599 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Food Pantry Manager-Elementary

Fort Madison Community School District

Fort Madison, IA • On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:

The Elementary School Food Pantry Manager is responsible for managing and overseeing the daily operations of the school food pantry to support students and families experiencing food insecurity.

This role ensures equitable access to food and basic necessities while fostering a welcoming, respectful, and confidential environment for families. The coordinator collaborates with school staff, community organizations, and volunteers to identify needs, coordinate resources, and support student well-being.


Primary Responsibilities:

  • Coordinate all operations of the elementary food pantry, including inventory management, organization, stocking, and distribution of food and essential items.

  • Maintain accurate records of pantry inventory, donations, usage, and distribution data.

  • Coordinate food drives, donation efforts, and partnerships with community agencies, local businesses, and nonprofit organizations.

  • Identify and support students and families experiencing food insecurity through collaboration with school counselors, administrators, nurses, and staff while maintaining confidentiality.

  • Develop and communicate pantry schedules, distribution procedures, and outreach efforts to families.

  • Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise volunteers supporting pantry operations.

  • Ensure compliance with food safety standards, storage requirements, and district policies.

  • Monitor pantry needs and proactively seek resources to sustain services for students and families.

  • Support families by connecting them with additional community resources and services as appropriate.

  • Assist with special programs, such as holiday meal distributions, weekend backpack programs, or emergency assistance initiatives.

  • Promote a positive, welcoming environment that reduces barriers and stigma associated with accessing support services.

  • Collaborate with building leadership and district personnel to evaluate program effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement.

  • Perform additional duties as assigned by administration to support student and family success.

  • Collaborates with Director of Student Services and Jr/Sr High Food Pantry Manager.

Qualifications Preferred:

  • Experience working with children, families, schools, or community service organizations.

  • Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and work effectively with diverse populations.

  • Knowledge of community resources and food assistance programs preferred.

  • Ability to lift and move food boxes or supplies as needed.

  • Must be able to follow the required schedule/hours for families to access the food pantry.

Work Environment: This position is based within the elementary school setting and involves regular interaction with students, families, staff, volunteers, and community partners. The coordinator serves as a key support in promoting student wellness, attendance, and readiness to learn by address.


Food Pantry operations occurs before school, by appointment only during the day and after school hours.


Pay/Work Days: Stipend $500 per year-During the school year only


Physical Requirements: Bending, carrying, climbing, driving, lifting, pushing/pulling, reaching, sitting, standing, walking. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. frequently


The Fort Madison Community School District is an EEO/AA employer