Farm to School Assistant

FARM TO SCHOOL ASSISTANT

Part-Time Grayson County Farm to School Initiative

Position Type: Part-time, grant-funded (approximately 400 hours)

Location: GATE Center Kitchen, Independence, VA Grayson County

Reports To: Grayson County Farm to School Initiative Coordinator, Sandy Stoneman

Schedule: Hours vary by season and week, based on harvest timing and school demand

Position Summary:

The Farm to School Assistant supports the Grayson County Farm to School Initiative by helping process and prepare local produce for use in Grayson County school meals. This position works primarily in the GATE Center commercial kitchen, processing and freezing fresh produce for future use and prepping fresh produce for the school salad bar. Hours are variable, driven by seasonal harvest timing and weekly school demand.

Key Responsibilities

Wash, process, and freeze fresh local produce for future use in school meals

Prep fresh produce for the school salad bar including slicing cucumbers, chopping lettuce, and dicing peppers

Follow food safety and sanitation procedures in the GATE Center kitchen

Safely operate kitchen equipment used for washing, cutting, and processing produce

Keep kitchen workspaces clean, organized, and in compliance with food safety standards

Help track and label processed and prepped items for storage

Support other kitchen tasks as needed based on harvest schedule and school need

Qualifications

Food preparation experience preferred

Current food safety training (e.g., ServSafe) preferred; candidates willing to obtain training will also be considered

Comfortable working with commercial kitchen equipment, including knives, slicers, and mandolines

Attention to detail and a strong commitment to food safety and cleanliness

Able to work a flexible schedule that varies by season and week

Reliable and able to work well both independently and as part of a team

Compensation and Funding This position is currently funded through a grant for approximately 400 hours. Pay rate and specific weekly schedule will be discussed with candidates during the interview process.

How to Apply: Click on the "Apply" button for application details.