2026-27 Food Services Assistant - Elementary Academy

Liberty STEAM Charter School; Sumter (SC); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Liberty STEAM Charter School is seeking a Food Services Assistant to support the Food Services Manager in delivering safe, nutritious meals to scholars, manage food storage, inventory, and sanitation, and help maintain a clean, organized kitchen in line with USDA CNP guidelines. This role collaborates with staff to ensure healthy meals for every student.

You will assist with meal preparation, portion control, serving, and recordkeeping, participate in menu planning and compliance reviews, and

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Experience in school nutrition programs or food service preferred.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.
• Must possess or obtain a valid SC Food Handler’s Certificate.

Responsibilities

• Assist with preparing breakfasts, lunches, snacks, and special event meals in line with menus.
• Prepare portions to meet Child Nutrition Program requirements.
• Support meal service, keep food safe, and maintain sanitation standards.
• Monitor temperatures and ensure proper storage and rotation (FIFO).
• Assist with inventory, ordering, and recording meal counts and production records.
• Assist in kitchen opening/closing and use of equipment safely.

Skills

Food service experience

Meal preparation

English language proficiency

School nutrition program experience

K-12 environment experience

Food Handler certification

US work authorization

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Job Title: Food Services Assistant

Date: 7/2026

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt/204 Work Days

Reports To: Food Services Manager (with operational oversight from the Managing Director of Operations)

Position Summary

The Food Services Assistant assists the Food Services Manager in all aspects of school nutrition services, including meal preparation, food storage, inventory management, sanitation, kitchen organization, and Child Nutrition Program compliance. This position ensures food is prepared and served safely while maintaining a clean, organized, and efficient kitchen environment. The Food Services Assistant works collaboratively with school staff to support the school's operational excellence and ensure every scholar has access to healthy meals each day.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Achieve all assigned Key Performance Driver Goals
• Assist with preparing nutritious breakfasts, lunches, snacks, and special event meals in accordance with approved menus.
• Prepare food portions that meet USDA Child Nutrition Program (CNP) requirements.
• Assist with meal service to ensure timely, efficient, and courteous service to scholars and staff.
• Ensure food is prepared, stored, and served according to all food safety and sanitation standards.
• Monitor food temperatures throughout preparation, holding, and serving.
• Assist with meal setup, serving lines, replenishment, and cleanup.
• Support special nutrition initiatives, healthy eating activities, and school wellness programs.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary commercial kitchen.
• Wash dishes, cookware, utensils, trays, carts, and food preparation equipment.
• Clean and sanitize work surfaces, appliances, refrigerators, freezers, and storage areas.
• Properly store food, equipment, and cleaning supplies.
• Assist with opening and closing kitchen procedures.
• Safely operate commercial kitchen equipment, including ovens, gas ranges, steam tables, mixers, and food preparation equipment.
• Report equipment malfunctions or maintenance concerns promptly.
• Assist with receiving, inspecting, and storing food deliveries.
• Rotate inventory using First-In, First-Out (FIFO) procedures.
• Maintain daily inventory of food, beverages, disposable supplies, and kitchen materials.
• Assist with food ordering using centralized purchasing systems.
• Help monitor food usage to minimize waste and control costs.
• Assist in maintaining production records, inventory logs, temperature logs, meal counts, recipes, and required Child Nutrition Program documentation.
• Receive vendor deliveries, verify invoices, and submit required documentation according to established procedures.
• Follow all USDA Child Nutrition Program (CNP) guidelines and regulations.
• Assist in maintaining accurate meal count records.
• Support menu production records and documentation.
• Ensure proper portion control and nutritional compliance.
• Participate in state or federal Child Nutrition Program reviews and inspections as requested.
• Demonstrate excellent personal hygiene and food safety practices at all times.
• Follow all cleaning and sanitizing procedures according to health department requirements.
• Properly use and store cleaning chemicals.
• Maintain compliance with OSHA, DHEC, and school safety standards.
• Report food safety concerns, accidents, injuries, or hazards immediately.
• Assist in maintaining a safe environment for scholars, staff, and visitors.
• Work cooperatively with the Food Services Manager and Operations Team.
• Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and required professional development.
• Maintain professional communication with staff, scholars, families, vendors, and visitors.
• Support school events and food service operations outside of regular meal service when needed.
• Perform additional duties as assigned in support of school operations.

Core Competencies

• Supports Liberty STEAM Charter School’s mission by ensuring scholars receive nutritious meals that contribute to their health, well-being, and academic success.
• Takes ownership of assigned responsibilities and consistently delivers high-quality work.
• Maintains the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, cleanliness, and regulatory compliance.
• Completes meal preparation, documentation, inventory, and sanitation procedures accurately and consistently.
• Provides friendly, respectful, and responsive service to scholars, families, staff, and visitors.
• Works collaboratively with the Food Services Manager and school staff to ensure efficient kitchen operations.
• Adjusts quickly to changing meal counts, schedules, staffing needs, and operational priorities.
• Seeks opportunities to improve food quality, efficiency, organization, and customer service.

Education, Skills & Experience

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Prior experience in food service, meal preparation, custodial services, or commercial kitchen operations.
• Experience with one or more of the following:
  • Food preparation
  • Food inventory management
  • Food ordering
  • Proper food handling and storage
  • Child Nutrition Program operations
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.
• Valid South Carolina driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
• Two (2) years of experience working in a school nutrition program, Child Nutrition Program (CNP), or School Lunch Program preferred.
• Experience working in a K-12 educational environment preferred.
• Food Handler’s Certification preferred.
• Must possess or obtain and maintain a valid South Carolina Food Handler’s Certificate (or equivalent certification required by state or local health authorities).
• Must successfully pass all required criminal background screenings.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Physical Requirements

Frequently

• Stand and walk for extended periods.
• Bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach.
• Push, pull, lift, and carry items weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Operate commercial kitchen appliances and food preparation equipment.
• Climb step stools or ladders as needed.
• Perform repetitive hand and arm movements.

Occasionally

• Lift or move equipment and supplies weighing 20–50 pounds with or without assistance.
• Pick up and deliver food or supplies.
• Perform clerical duties including computer use, typing, and filing.
• Safely use sharp knives, slicers, and other food preparation equipment.

Compensation

• Salary range: The salary is commensurate with relevant experience and qualifications and paid in accordance with the approved salary bands ($15-20 per hour)
• This role is also eligible for a performance bonus based on individual and organizational performance and goal attainment.

To Learn More About Liberty STEAM Charter

Liberty STEAM Charter School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, organizational needs, and the ability to advance Liberty STEAM Charter School’s mission.