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Summer Food Program Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness * Paid Vacation ... Domestic Partner Benefits * 401(k) Inside Summer House, guests will find a breezy, beach house ...

Runner

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.05 - $35/hr

Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness * Paid Vacation ... Domestic Partner Benefits * 401(k) Inside Summer House, guests will find a breezy, beach house ...

At Fooda, we believe a workplace food program should be something employees love and look forward ... Annual stock option grant each summer * Long-term opportunities for advancement within Fooda

Dining Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

At Fooda, we believe a workplace food program should be something employees love and look forward ... Annual stock option grant each summer * Long-term opportunities for advancement within Fooda

SANITARIAN II

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75K/yr

Essential Duties: • Inspects the physical condition of food establishments (e.g., restaurants, grocery stores, bakeries, wholesalers, special or summer food events or programs, and kitchens in ...

Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness * Paid Vacation ... Domestic Partner Benefits * 401(k) Inside Summer House, guests will find a breezy, beach house ...

Team Member

Chicago, IL

$13.25 - $17/hr

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) * Restaurant discounts * Opportunities for career growth As the ... The Cookie Bar features a selection of Summer House's famous oversized fresh baked cookies, as well ...

Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness * Paid Vacation ... Domestic Partner Benefits * 401(k) Inside Summer House, guests will find a breezy, beach house ...

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Summer Food Program information

See Illinois salary details

$31.5K

$47K

$113.4K

How much do summer food program jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for summer food program in Illinois is $46,977.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,400.00 and $33,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Summer Food Program?

A Summer Food Program is a federally funded initiative that provides free, nutritious meals to children and teens during the summer months when school is not in session. These programs are designed to ensure that kids who rely on free or reduced-price school meals continue to have access to healthy food during summer break. Meals are typically served at community centers, schools, parks, and other local sites, and are available to all children under 18 years old. Families do not need to apply or show proof of income to participate.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a Summer Food Program role?

To thrive in a Summer Food Program role, you need organizational skills, basic food safety knowledge, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with meal tracking software, compliance documentation, and food handling certifications such as ServSafe are typically required. Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities help staff interact positively with children, families, and coworkers. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and inclusive delivery of nutritious meals to children during the summer months.

What are some common challenges faced by staff in a Summer Food Program role, and how can they be effectively managed?

Staff in Summer Food Program roles often encounter challenges such as managing high meal volumes during short service windows, ensuring compliance with nutrition and safety standards, and engaging with children from diverse backgrounds. Effective communication, teamwork, and strong organizational skills are essential for addressing these challenges. Training on food safety protocols and clear coordination with supervisors and volunteers can help maintain smooth operations and a positive environment for both staff and program participants.

What is the difference between Summer Food Program vs Summer Camp Counselor?

AspectSummer Food ProgramSummer Camp Counselor
Required CredentialsNone typically required; food safety training may be preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; CPR/First Aid certification often required
Work EnvironmentFood service sites, schools, community centersOutdoor and indoor camp settings, recreational areas
Employer & IndustrySchool districts, government agencies, non-profitsSummer camps, recreational organizations, schools
Job FocusProviding nutritious meals to children during summerSupervising children, organizing activities, ensuring safety

The Summer Food Program primarily focuses on providing nutritious meals to children during summer months, often working in food service environments. In contrast, Summer Camp Counselors supervise children, organize activities, and ensure safety at recreational camps. While both roles serve children during summer, their responsibilities, credentials, and work environments differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Program jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Food Program jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Summer Food Program jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Summer Food Program job openings:

Infographic showing various Summer Food Program job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,977 per year, or $22.6 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time, Part-time, Temporary
Description
To prepare and serve meals for summer camp staff and participants. This is a seasonal position (Mid-May thru Early August).
Requirements
Job Qualifications:
  • Ability to obtain Sanitation license (Knowledge of safety procedures, including safe temperatures at which ingredients must be kept and to which food must be prepared to avoid foodborne illness)
  • Ability to lift 25lbs or more with assistance
  • Ability to work as part of a team and able to work independently
  • Interpersonal skills to interact with volunteers, other staff and children ages 5-18
  • Calm demeanor to work in a Christian environment around children
  • Comprehension and organization to follow directions and safety protocols
  • Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination to handle tools, such as knife techniques for chopping, slicing, cutting and dicing
  • Ability to stand for a few hours (breaks are great here!)
  • Ability to use a meat slicer, convection ovens, flat top grill, outdoor grill, dish machine and various other commercial kitchen equipment and tools safely

Brief Description of Job Duties:
  • Follow recipes, including measuring, weighing, mixing & cooking instructions
  • Bake, grill, steam and boil meats, vegetables, fish, poultry and other foods
  • Prepare foods according to USDA guidelines as required by the Summer Food Service Program
  • Check in and serve children, staff & volunteers indoors and outdoors
  • Maintain a clean and safe work & dining area, including handling utensils, equipment and dishes
  • Handle, store, label ingredients and food following FIFO and government regulations
  • Maintain food safety and sanitation standards
  • Follow all government guidelines regarding COVID-19