Title: Meals on Wheels Prep Cook
Position Type: Temporary Part Time Position
Salary: $18.00 - $19.42 per hour
This position is eligible for a 5% bilingual differential if the successful candidate meets the Food Share standard on an oral proficiency exam.
** This position is Open Until Filled – Applications will be first reviewed on 07/14/2026 and after that as they are received!
This position temporary position is 25 hours per week, Monday – Friday for 6 months. The shift schedule for this position is 7:00am – 12:00pm. All schedules are subject to change based on the needs of the operation at the discretion of the Executive Chef and/or the Meals on Wheels Director.
Summary of Role: Assists in the preparation of meals by preparing ingredients for use in meals, maintaining a sanitary work environment and adhering to food industry best practices.
You Are…
- An Effective Collaborator. You have worked with diverse groups and on dispersed teams, and you can operate in complex situations. You can quickly engage and gain trust from colleagues and are known for being supportive.
- A Flexible Worker. You are not afraid to step outside your job description or comfort zone to help the team reach its goals. You are comfortable with shifting schedules and don't expect every day to go "as planned." You are happy to challenge someone's assumptions and to have your assumptions challenged in return.
- You are punctual and reliable. You have a proven ability to work in a safe, accurate, timely and efficient manner. You can make pickups and deliveries on time. You submit timely, accurate reports.
- You like to work hard. You are capable of performing repetitive, sustained heavy lifting sometimes in excess of 70 pounds with strenuous activity not limited to heavy lifting.
Your responsibilities as the Prep Cook will include:
Areas of Responsibility, Evaluation and Essential Functions:
- Prepares ingredients for use in meals.
- Measure’s ingredients and prepares them in accordance with chef’s specifications.
- Washes, chops, and peels ingredients for use in meals.
- Portions the food and prepares the dishes for plating.
- Places food trays under food warmers.
- Keeps track of ingredient quantities and ensures there are always enough for the day/week’s menus.
- Assists in control of inventory and supplies.
- Maintains compliance with food industry safety standards.
- Cleans and sanitizes the working surfaces, tools, utensils and working areas.
- Checks the food for proper temperatures.
- Responsible for compliance with industry food safety standards.
- Ensures food and leftovers are stored and dated properly.
- Other duties as assigned
About Marion Polk Food Share
We are the regional food bank bringing people together to end hunger and its root causes in Marion and Polk Counties. Support from our local community makes it possible for the Food Share to collect and distribute nutritious food for children, adults, and seniors through more than 80 partner programs, including food pantries, meal sites and home-delivered meals and to carry out programs to address the root causes of hunger.
At the Food Share, our commitment is to:
- Treat all people as our neighbor.
- Encourage creativity and be willing to take risks.
- Listen first and seek to understand.
- Focus on shared goals.
- Celebrate diversity, ensure dignity, and act equitably.
Job Conditions:
Work is typically performed in dining room and kitchen environments and at other locations inside and outside of Meals on Wheels and Marion Polk Food Share. Must have good balance and be comfortable standing for 2-3 hours. Will regularly negotiate slippery surfaces and busy workstations. Will regularly move, lift and carry objects in excess of 30 pounds. During deliveries, work is subject to varying indoor and outdoor temperatures and road and walkway surfaces in all seasons. May work or travel out of the local area and work outside normal working hours, such and evenings and weekends, on occasion. Work in excess of scheduled hours per week during peak business periods may be required.
Remote work is NOT possible for this position.
The Food Share provides essential services to our neighbors in Marion and Polk counties. As a result, all Food Share employees may be asked to report to work during local public health, weather, or other environmental emergencies.
More on Compensation:
The Food Share provides all employees with the following benefits:
- Competitive pay
- 12 paid holidays each year
- Earned vacation and sick leave
- Employee Assistance Program
- 401K retirement contributions
The employee in this regular, full-time position is also eligible to receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Contributions towards Medical, Vision and Dental Insurance for employee and dependents
- Employer paid Disability, Life Insurance, and AD&D Insurance
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function and physical demand satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation.
EOE.
All candidates will need:
Education and/or Experience; Certificates /Licenses/Registrations:
- Prior experience cooking in a commercial kitchen environment preferred.
- Must maintain a current Food Handlers Card.
- Experienced in upholding safe working conditions.
- Must pass pre-employment drug screening that excludes THC.
- Must submit to full background check, including driving record check. Depending on the position sought, a criminal conviction or arrest record does not automatically bar employment with the Food Share.
The most competitive / strongest candidates will possess a combination of the following background, skills, experience, and knowledge. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet every one of our qualifications listed.
- Proficiency with a wide variety of kitchen equipment, tools and utensils.
- Ability to understand and carry out detailed written and/or verbal instructions independently.
- Familiar with the food industry’s best practices.
- Knowledge of food safety and safe handling practices.
- Able to work well in a team environment and take direction.
- Self-motivated and organized.
- Committed to quality service.
- Good math and written communication skills.
