Food Service Associate

Job Summary

Al-Maa'uun is seeking an experienced, dependable, and highly organized Food Service Associate to join our existing food services team.

This position will work alongside current food service leadership and staff to support the daily operation and continued growth of Al-Maa'uun's food programs. We are looking for someone who can step into an active food service environment, complete a basic orientation, and quickly become a productive member of the team.

Our food services include:

• Halal Meals on Wheels
• Senior and community meals
• Food rescue and food recovery
• Farm-to-table and fresh produce programs
• Summer Food Service Program
• CACFP
• Catering and special events
• Food service workforce training

Al-Maa'uun primarily, though not exclusively, serves seniors, individuals managing chronic health conditions, African American communities, Muslim communities, East African communities, youth, and families throughout the Twin Cities.

The ideal candidate is someone who is experienced, flexible, detail-oriented, able to work independently when needed, and comfortable working as part of an established team.

Key Responsibilities

The Food Service Associate will:

• Support daily food preparation, production, packaging, storage, and distribution.
• Assist with Meals on Wheels and other meal programs.
• Follow standardized recipes, portions, and production procedures.
• Maintain proper food temperatures, sanitation, labeling, dating, and storage.
• Support compliance with Minnesota food safety requirements, ServSafe standards, CACFP, Summer Food Service, and other applicable program requirements.
• Maintain accurate records of food production, temperatures, inventory, and meal counts.
• Assist with purchasing, receiving, stocking, and inventory control.
• Help reduce food waste and maintain proper FIFO inventory practices.
• Assist with food rescue pickups, deliveries, and produce distribution.
• Support catering production, packaging, delivery, and special events.
• Maintain a clean, safe, organized, and inspection-ready commercial kitchen.
• Support halal food handling and preparation standards.
• Work respectfully with individuals from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds.
• Help train students, volunteers, and workforce participants in basic food service procedures.
• Assist participants preparing for ServSafe certification.
• Support food service leadership with scheduling, organization, and daily workflow when needed.
• Identify operational concerns and communicate them promptly to food service leadership.

Required Qualifications

• At least 3 years of professional food service experience.
• Experience working in a commercial, institutional, restaurant, catering, senior dining, school nutrition, or nonprofit food service environment.
• Current ServSafe Manager certification or ability to obtain it shortly after hire.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, temperature control, cross-contamination prevention, and commercial kitchen procedures.
• Experience with food preparation and high-volume meal production.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain accurate records.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Ability to follow established procedures while also solving routine problems independently.
• Dependable attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to use basic email, spreadsheets, scheduling, or inventory systems.
• Ability to work occasional early mornings, evenings, weekends, or special events as needed.
• Valid driver's license preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in one or more of the following is strongly preferred:

• Meals on Wheels or senior nutrition
• CACFP
• Summer Food Service Program
• Halal food service
• Food rescue or food recovery
• Catering
• Institutional food production
• Food inventory and purchasing
• Working with seniors or individuals managing chronic health conditions
• Workforce development or student training
• ServSafe training
• Working with African American, Muslim, East African, immigrant, or other diverse communities

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for someone who:

• Does not require extensive technical training.
• Can join an existing team without creating unnecessary disruption.
• Respects existing leadership and organizational structure.
• Communicates well with coworkers and supervisors.
• Takes initiative while knowing when to ask questions.
• Notices details and follows through.
• Understands that food safety and documentation are essential.
• Is willing to learn Al-Maa'uun's systems and help improve them over time.
• Is interested in growing professionally as Al-Maa'uun's food services operation expands.

About Al-Maa'uun

Al-Maa'uun, meaning "The Neighborly Needs," is a Minneapolis-based nonprofit organization working to strengthen individuals, families, and communities through food security, housing, workforce development, recovery services, youth development, and community-based programming.

Al-Maa'uun is an equal opportunity employer. We value professionalism, teamwork, accountability, cultural respect, and a commitment to serving our community with dignity.

Pay: $24.21 - $26.16 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Professional Food Service: 3 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver License (Required)
• ServSafe (Required)
• Minnesota Certified Food Protection Manager (Preferred)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Preferred)
• Night Shift (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Minneapolis, MN 55411 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $24 - $26