Kids' Kitchen Chef: Nutritious CACFP Meals & Safety

Oregon Head Start Association; The Dalles (OR); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

The Oregon Head Start Association seeks a Cook to prepare nutritious meals and snacks for children, ensuring CACFP compliance and safety standards are met. The role involves portioning, sanitation, and supporting positive mealtime experiences in collaboration with staff and families.

Responsibilities include following menus, accommodating dietary needs, ordering to maintain inventory, and documenting compliance records.

Qualifications

• Two to three years of experience in food service or preparation.
• Sufficient English proficiency to comprehend both oral and written directions.
• Two to three years of experience in CACFP.

Responsibilities

• Prepare meals according to approved recipes and the meal pattern to ensure compliance with MCCC, USDA, and CACFP guidelines, maintaining consistency, quality, and portion standards.
• Follow proper food preparation and handling practices to maintain safety, sanitation, and overall food quality.
• Follow the written menu, making substitutions as needed due to supply or availability issues, and accurately document all changes to ensure menus remain accessible and compliance records are complete.
• Accommodate individual dietary needs, including infants, toddlers, children with allergies, disabilities, or required food substitutions.
• Plan and manage food purchasing and ordering to maintain adequate inventory of ingredients and supplies in accordance with the written menu and meal schedule.
• Prepare and serve meals with correct portions, coordinating production with the meal schedule to ensure meals and snacks are served on time.
• Assist with classroom meal service as needed, including participating in family-style meal service, setting up and cleaning tables, chairs, and floors, depending on center requirements.
• Provide safe drinking water for children throughout all program hours.
• Prepare meals or snacks for special events, such as parent meetings, classroom celebrations, or other agency activities, maintaining the same quality and safety standards as regular meal service.
• Complete and maintain required meal service compliance documentation to ensure accurate records of food preparation, purchases, and program compliance.

Skills

CACFP knowledge

Food service experience

English proficiency

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

The Oregon Head Start Association seeks a Cook to prepare nutritious meals and snacks for children, ensuring CACFP compliance and safety standards are met. The role involves portioning, sanitation, and supporting positive mealtime experiences in collaboration with staff and families.

Responsibilities include following menus, accommodating dietary needs, ordering to maintain inventory, and documenting compliance records.