Food Aide

Mary Crane Center • Chicago, IL

8d • Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual (Spanish) preferred

Responsibilities

• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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

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.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees