Food Aide

Nourish Young Minds Every Day

Are you passionate about supporting children's health and well-being through nutritious meals and caring service? Do you take pride in keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes so classrooms can focus on learning and growth?

If so, we invite you to join our team as a Food Aide in our Early Childhood and Head Start programs.

As a Food Aide, you'll help ensure every child receives healthy, well-balanced meals each day. You'll play a vital role in maintaining safe food practices, organizing meal service, and keeping our kitchens clean and welcoming.

What You'll Do

Manage and Handle Food

• Receive and weigh food, take temperatures upon arrival, and stock items as needed
• Prepare and deliver breakfast, lunch, and snack to classrooms on schedule
• Take and record food temperatures before serving
• Divide food into appropriate portions and follow Child Care Food and Licensing Guidelines
• Prepare food substitutions when necessary and document menu changes
• Prepare and order food for field trips and special events
• Observe classrooms to ensure proper portions and family-style dining practices
• Shop for additional supplies at local grocery stores as needed

Keep Kitchens Clean and Safe

• Wash and sanitize dishes, utensils, and kitchen surfaces daily
• Clean and disinfect refrigerators, freezers, counters, and equipment
• Operate dishwashers safely and ensure all appliances are in good working order
• Defrost freezers regularly and maintain an organized pantry and storage area
• Transport and collect dishes and food containers from classrooms

Document and Track with Care

• Maintain accurate logs for food, milk, and equipment temperatures
• Track issues with deliveries or equipment
• Monitor and document family-style eating practices in classrooms
• Ensure all kitchenware is properly accounted for

Communicate and Collaborate

• Coordinate orders and deliveries with food vendors and caterers
• Communicate with the Site Director and Health Coordinator about supply needs or concerns
• Partner with Family Workers and Teachers for food experiences and classroom events
• Support special events like the End-of-Year Celebration
• Work closely with the Site Director to ensure all food service standards and licensing requirements are met

Requirements:

Education and/or Experience:

High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED).

AND

Food Sanitation Certificate

Qualifications:

Education & Certification

• High School Diploma or GED
• Valid Food Sanitation Certificate (City of Chicago) — required

Skills & Qualifications

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Strong attention to detail and organization
• Team player with flexibility and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency with basic computer and recordkeeping systems
• Bilingual (Spanish) preferred

Physical & Work Environment Expectations

• Ability to lift up to 45 pounds
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, and stooping
• Regularly required to talk, hear, and see at close range
• Work primarily in kitchen and storage areas with moderate to high noise levels
• May travel locally for grocery trips, trainings, or meetings

Why Join Us

• Help create a healthy, nurturing environment for young children
• Be part of a collaborative and mission-driven early childhood team
• Receive ongoing support and training opportunities
• Know that your work directly impacts children's well-being and success

Compensation & Benefits

Mary Crane Center offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes access to medical, dental, and vision insurance (HMO, PPO, and DPPO options), paid time off, and wellness support programs.
Eligibility and details will be shared during the hiring process.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Apply today and help us nourish the next generation — one meal, one classroom, and one child at a time.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, veteran status, or disability.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided as required by law. To request accommodations, please contact x2886.