Part-time Kitchen Associate

Harvest Hope Food Bank; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Career development resources

Diversity and inclusion

Total rewards program

Paid annual leave

Job summary

Harvest Hope Food Bank in Columbia, SC is seeking a Kitchen Associate to join our team part-time, supporting prep, cooking, and meal distribution to advance our hunger-relief mission. Shifts run 5am–8pm with up to 20 hours per week; you’ll work a rotating schedule including holidays, standing for long periods and lifting up to 50 pounds. Serve Safe certification is preferred; we emphasize safety, teamwork and opportunities for growth in a diverse, caring workplace.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Proven kitchen experience in a fast-paced environment.
• Serve Safe Certification (preferred).
• Knowledge of food safety procedures and standards.
• Excellent time management and multitasking abilities.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist in kitchen operations from prep to meal distribution.
• Support efficient, safe, and clean kitchen workflow.
• Follow food safety standards and procedures.
• Move and lift supplies; stand for extended periods.

Skills

Food safety

Time management

Teamwork

Physical stamina

Flexibility

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

About Harvest Hope Food Bank

Embark on a fulfilling journey at Harvest Hope Food Bank, where your talents play a vital role in our mission to end hunger. As the largest hunger-relief organization in South Carolina, serving 20 counties, we annually distribute 30 million pounds of food across the Midlands, Pee Dee, and Upstate regions. Our dynamic nonprofit values innovation, collaboration, and diversity, offering a uniquely rewarding experience for employees dedicated to making a meaningful difference in their communities. Join our dedicated team in building a hunger-free tomorrow through active engagement with nearly 400 partner agencies. Together, we strive to address food insecurity and positively impact lives across the state.

Logistics & Work Environment

This part-time role is based at 2025 Main Street, Columbia.

This position requires flexibility to work various shifts between 5am - 8pm, mirroring the restaurant industry hours; up to 20 hours per week. The successful candidate will be part of a team that operates on a split-shift basis, seven days a week, including holidays (e.g. Thanksgiving and Christmas Day), on a rotating basis.

A Day in the Life:

The Kitchen Associate will be responsible for assisting in various aspects of our kitchen operations, from prep work to meal distribution. This position requires a detail-oriented individual who can efficiently conduct tasks to ensure the smooth running of the kitchen.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Proven experience as a kitchen assistant, cook, or relevant role in fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Serve Safe Certification (preferred)
• Knowledge of food safety procedures and standards.
• Excellent time management skills and ability to multitask effectively.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time and lift up to 50 pounds.

Thrive

SOME OF THE VAST REWARDS OF WORKING HERE

As we work to eliminate hunger throughout, we state, we also work to care for our teams' professional and personal growth and well-being.

• Full support and career development resources to expand your skills, enhance your expertise and maximize your potential along your career journey.
• A diverse and inclusive community of belonging, where teammates empower each other.
• Generous Total Rewards Plan - comprising health, finance, and wealth work/life balance.
• Paid Annual Leave - the longer you work here, the more you earn.

Harvest Hope Food Bank is an equal opportunity employer and embraces a philosophy that recognizes and values diversity. Our goal is to attract, develop, retain and promote a talented diverse workforce in a culture where all employees will contribute to their full potential.