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Mary Crane Center

Food Aide

Mary Crane Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290

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Food Aide Mary Crane Center

Overview 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?

Description 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.

What You’ll Do Manage and Handle Food

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

Keep Kitchens Clean and Safe

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

Document and Track with Care

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

Communicate and Collaborate

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

Requirements

High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED)

Food Sanitation Certificate

Qualifications Education & Certification

High School Diploma or GED

Valid Food Sanitation Certificate (City of Chicago) — required

Skills & Qualifications

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

Bilingual (Spanish) preferred

Physical & Work Environment Expectations

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

Why Join Us

Help create a healthy, nurturing environment for young children

Be part of a collaborative and mission-driven early childhood team

Receive ongoing support and training opportunities

Know that your work directly impacts children’s well-being and success

Compensation & 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.

Salary: 17.96 an hour

Equal Opportunity Employer We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and 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 x2886.

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