Cook

Community Action Wayne/Medina (CAW/M)
Lodi Head Start Kitchen
Lodi, Ohio
Full-Time | Non-Exempt
$16.45 - $17.45 per hour

Help Nourish Young Minds and Support Healthy Childhood Development

At Community Action Wayne/Medina, we know that nutritious meals are an essential part of helping children learn, grow, and thrive. We are seeking a dependable, organized, and team-oriented Cook to support meal preparation and food service operations for our Head Start and Early Head Start programs from our Lodi Center Kitchen.

This position plays a critical role in ensuring children receive healthy, high-quality meals prepared and served in accordance with federal nutrition standards and food safety regulations. The ideal candidate takes pride in maintaining a clean and efficient kitchen, enjoys working as part of a team, and is committed to supporting positive mealtime experiences for young children. 

WHY JOIN CAW/M?

Comprehensive Benefits Package, Including:

• Four-day work week 
• Competitive starting wage of $16.45 - $17.45 per hour 
• Health insurance options with employer contributions 
• Retirement plan with employer contributions 
• Generous paid leave programs (vacation, sick, personal, parental, and holidays) 
• Professional development and training opportunities aligned with organizational needs 
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 
• Mission-driven work that creates meaningful impact for children and families 

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Food Preparation & Meal Service

• Assist in the preparation and service of nutritious meals and snacks following approved menus and portion requirements. 
• Support meal production in accordance with CACFP guidelines and Head Start Performance Standards. 
• Ensure special dietary needs and approved food substitutions are followed accurately. 
• Assist with meal service and cleanup activities, including family-style meal service when applicable. 
• Promote a positive and safe mealtime experience for children. 

Kitchen Operations & Food Safety

• Maintain a clean, sanitary, and organized kitchen environment. 
• Follow established food safety and sanitation procedures, including proper storage, preparation, and temperature monitoring. 
• Clean and sanitize kitchen equipment, utensils, food preparation areas, and service spaces. 
• Maintain required food service records, including temperature logs, sanitation documentation, and inventory records. 
• Ensure compliance with all applicable Head Start, Health Department, ODA, FDA, OSHA, and agency requirements. 

Transportation & Team Support

• Safely transport meals to assigned Head Start locations using approved procedures and equipment. 
• Work collaboratively with the Nutrition Manager and kitchen staff to support efficient food service operations. 
• Report safety concerns, maintenance issues, or incidents promptly. 
• Participate in required meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities. 
• Support continuous quality improvement efforts and perform other duties as assigned. 

WHAT YOU BRING

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent. 
• Valid Ohio driver's license, reliable transportation, and ability to meet agency insurability requirements. 
• Minimum of six (6) months of food service experience or related experience. 
• Knowledge of basic food safety, sanitation, and food handling practices. 
• Ability to follow recipes, menus, meal patterns, and written instructions with accuracy and attention to detail. 
• Strong organizational, communication, and time-management skills. 
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively as a member of a team. 
• Commitment to professionalism, reliability, and the mission of Community Action Wayne/Medina. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a school, childcare, institutional, or commercial kitchen environment. 
• ServSafe certification or the ability to obtain certification within a designated timeframe. 
• Experience working with diverse populations and young children. 
• Demonstrated ability to remain calm and adaptable in a fast-paced environment. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position works primarily in an active food service environment within a Head Start program and includes regular travel between the Lodi kitchen and assigned Head Start locations. Employees are exposed to typical kitchen conditions, including heat, steam, refrigeration areas, cleaning chemicals, and wet or slippery surfaces. The position requires standing, walking, bending, lifting, carrying food supplies and equipment, and safely operating kitchen tools and equipment. This position is classified as medium work under U.S. Department of Labor physical demand guidelines. 

OUR COMMITMENT

Community Action Wayne/Medina is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Join Our Team

If you are passionate about preparing nutritious meals, enjoy working in a collaborative environment, and want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families throughout Wayne and Medina Counties, we encourage you to apply.

Community Action Wayne/Medina — Empowering People. Strengthening Communities. Changing Lives.