Food Aide

Inspire Learning. Empower Families. Shape Futures.

Do you believe that healthy meals help children grow, learn, and thrive? At Mary Crane Center, we’re looking for a caring and detail-oriented professional to join our Head Start team as a Food Aide.

As a Food Aide, you’ll play a vital role in supporting our early childhood programs by preparing and serving nutritious meals, maintaining a safe and clean kitchen, and ensuring children experience positive, family-style dining every day. Your work will directly contribute to the well-being of children and families in our care.

What You’ll Do

Prepare and Serve Meals

• Receive, weigh, and stock food deliveries.
• Prepare and deliver breakfast, lunch, and snacks to classrooms on time.
• Take and record food temperatures upon delivery and serving.
• Portion meals appropriately and prepare substitutions when needed.
• Order and prepare food for field trips and special events.
• Support classrooms to ensure family-style dining practices.

Maintain Kitchen & Equipment

• Wash and sanitize dishes, utensils, and kitchen surfaces.
• Clean refrigerators, freezers, stoves, and other equipment regularly.
• Organize pantry and storage areas; ensure appliances are working properly.
• Defrost freezers and maintain a safe, orderly kitchen environment.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate logs of food, milk, and equipment temperatures.
• Track issues with food delivery or supply shortages.
• Monitor and document family-style dining practices in classrooms.
• Ensure compliance with Child Care Food and Licensing Guidelines.

Collaborate & Communicate

• Coordinate with caterers on food orders and deliveries.
• Communicate supply needs and equipment concerns to the Site Director and Health Coordinator.
• Work with staff to plan for special events and classroom food experiences.
• Support overall program operations to meet licensing standards and agency requirements.

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Current Food and Sanitation Certificate from the City of Chicago required.

Skills & Qualifications

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Clear communication skills and a team-oriented mindset.
• Commitment to Mary Crane’s mission of supporting children and families.

Physical & Work Environment Expectations

• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds and engage in physical activity such as bending, kneeling, and reaching.
• Comfortable working in a kitchen and child-centered environment.
• Occasional trips to grocery stores or between sites as needed.

Why Join Us

• Be part of a mission-driven organization serving children and families for over 100 years.
• Collaborate with a supportive, caring team of educators and staff.
• Contribute directly to children’s health, growth, and success.
• Opportunities for training, growth, and professional development.

Compensation & Benefits

Mary Crane Center offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes access to medical, dental, and vision insurance (HMO, PPO, and DPPO options available), paid time off, and employee wellness programs.

 

Make a difference where it matters most. Apply today and help us nourish the futures of young children.

Mary Crane Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We 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 773-242-2881 x2866.