Food Service Assistant

GenerationEd Job title Food Service Assistant

Program Head Start/Early Head Start

Reports to Center Director

FLSA Status Non-exempt

Last Updated November 2026

General Description

The Food Service Assistant is responsible for the daily preparation, portioning, and service of nutritious breakfast, lunch, and snacks for children enrolled in GenerationEd's Head Start and Early Head Start programs. This position plays an essential role in supporting children's health, nutrition, development, and overall well-being by ensuring that all meals are prepared and served safely, efficiently, and in accordance with established nutritional standards. The Food Service Assistant is responsible for maintaining full compliance with the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), applicable federal and state regulations, local health department requirements, and GenerationEd policies and procedures.

Required Competencies

All GenerationEd Employees

• Reliability/Dependability
• Problem Solving
• Customer Service
• Teamwork

and Collaboration

• Integrity
• Effective Communication
• Initiative and Growth
• Quality and Timeliness of work

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Meal Preparation and Service

• Prepare, portion, and serve daily breakfast, lunch, and snacks according to approved menus, established meal schedules, and CACFP meal pattern requirements.
• Ensure all meals contain the required food components and meet applicable nutritional standards, including age-appropriate portion sizes.
• Follow standardized recipes, approved menus, and established food preparation procedures to ensure consistency, quality, and nutritional compliance.
• Prepare meals and snacks in a timely manner to support classroom schedules and minimize disruptions to daily center operations.
• Ensure food is served at safe and appropriate temperatures and presented in a manner that supports positive mealtime experiences for children.
• Accommodate documented food allergies, dietary restrictions, disabilities, and medically necessary meal modifications in accordance with approved documentation and established procedures.
• Coordinate with classroom staff to ensure accurate meal counts, appropriate portions, and timely meal delivery or distribution.
• Support family-style dining practices, when applicable, by ensuring food is appropriately portioned and available for classroom service.
• Minimize food waste through accurate preparation, portion control, and responsible use of available resources.

CACFP Compliance and Documentation

• Maintain compliance with all applicable CACFP regulations, meal pattern requirements, and program operating procedures.
• Follow approved menus and ensure any substitutions are documented and meet CACFP requirements.
• Accurately complete and maintain required meal production records, including food quantities prepared, portions served, substitutions, and other required documentation.
• Support accurate meal counts and required documentation in coordination with classroom staff and center leadership.
• Ensure meals and snacks served meet applicable CACFP requirements for reimbursement.
• Maintain accurate records related to food temperatures, food storage, inventory, and other required food service activities.
• Participate in CACFP monitoring visits, inspections, audits, and compliance reviews as requested.
• Immediately report any concerns related to meal compliance, food safety, missing documentation, or meal service discrepancies to the appropriate supervisor.
• Complete all required CACFP training and remain knowledgeable of changes to applicable meal service requirements.

Food Safety and Sanitation

• Maintain a clean, safe, sanitary, and organized kitchen environment in accordance with applicable health and food safety regulations.
• Follow proper food handling, preparation, storage, thawing, cooking, cooling, reheating, and serving procedures.
• Monitor and document food temperatures as required to prevent foodborne illness.
• Properly clean and sanitize kitchen equipment, utensils, countertops, food preparation surfaces, and meal service areas.
• Wash dishes, utensils, cookware, and food service equipment following approved sanitation procedures.
• Maintain appropriate food storage practices, including labeling, dating, stock rotation, and monitoring expiration dates.
• Follow proper personal hygiene practices, including handwashing, appropriate use of gloves, and required protective equipment.
• Identify and immediately report unsafe conditions, equipment malfunctions, pest concerns, or potential health hazards.
• Ensure cleaning chemicals and other hazardous materials are properly labeled, stored, and secured away from food and children.
• Maintain kitchen readiness for routine and unannounced health inspections and program monitoring visits.

Inventory and Kitchen Operations

• Receive, inspect, and properly store food deliveries and kitchen supplies.
• Monitor food inventory to ensure sufficient quantities are available to meet daily meal service requirements.
• Communicate anticipated food shortages, supply needs, and inventory concerns to the appropriate supervisor in a timely manner.
• Follow established procedures for food ordering, receiving, inventory management, and waste reduction.
• Maintain organized food storage areas, refrigerators, freezers, and dry storage spaces.
• Use kitchen equipment safely and responsibly, following manufacturer instructions and agency procedures.
• Assist with maintaining accurate inventory and related records.
• Demonstrate responsible stewardship of organizational resources by minimizing waste and using supplies efficiently.

Collaboration and Center Support

• Establish positive, professional working relationships with center leadership, classroom staff, and other team members.
• Communicate proactively regarding meal schedules, menu changes, dietary accommodations, and food service concerns.
• Respond promptly and professionally to requests related to meal service and kitchen operations.
• Support a positive, child-centered environment by recognizing the importance of nutrition in children's growth, learning, and development.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children's medical information, dietary accommodations, and family circumstances.
• Participate in required staff meetings, professional development, and agency training.

Essential Qualifications

Education/Experience Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Previous experience in food preparation, food service, institutional kitchens, school nutrition programs, or childcare food service preferred.
• Knowledge of basic food preparation, sanitation, and safe food handling practices.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required food safety certifications and complete CACFP training within established timelines.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Understanding of or willingness to learn CACFP meal patterns, food components, portion requirements, and documentation standards.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and consistently meet time-sensitive meal service deadlines.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and prevention of cross-contamination.

Physical, Mental and /or Visual Demands

• Must be able to sit and stand for extended periods of time throughout the day.
• Must be able to lift up to 35 lbs.
• Must be able to bend and stoop.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Specific vision abilities required by the job include close, distance, color, peripheral depth and the ability to adjust focus.

GenerationEd is committed to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, including those with disabilities in accordance with ADA.

Acknowledgement

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by the individual assigned to this position and should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It does not state or imply that these are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to the position. The employee may be required to perform other job-related duties. All requirements are subject to change and to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability. I further understand that my employment with GenerationEd is at will.

Monday through Thursday: 7:30 AM - 1:30 PM Friday: 7:30 AM - 12:30 PM