Nutrition Aide

The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Incorporated is seeking a qualified individual to work as a Nutrition Aide in the Head Start/Early Head Start program. This position coordinates daily food service for the center by accepting/inspecting food delivery and preparing food for family-style dining (or as directed by center coordinator or head start director) to ensure adequate nutrition is provided for children in a safe and sanitary manner. This position assists the classroom staff in developing varied food experiences for children. Additional duties may be assigned based upon program need.


Position responsibilities include:

1. Maintains a clean, sanitary and safe food preparation area including equipment and utensils to promote safe food service operations.
2. Receives, signs for, and inspects all food deliveries for the center to ensure enough food for all children.
3. Upon delivery and thirty minutes prior to serving, check food for proper temperature, condition (expiration dates, contaminants, etc.) and quantities. Refuses delivery items not meeting standards and contacts supervisor.
4. Serves food in manner appropriate for family-style dining (or as directed by center coordinator or head start director) to support program standards and goals.
5. Practice safe and sanitary techniques while handling and serving meals including the use of hairnets, aprons and food handling gloves.
6. Tracks children with special dietary needs and provide adjustments, with direction, as needed to ensure health and safety of all children.
7. Assist classroom staff with food service on field trips.
8. Completes and maintain necessary documents to support food service contract and remain in compliance with state and local Health Departments.
9. Maintain a cooperative relationship with outside vendors and program participants to support food service program.
10. Provides and participates in nutrition education activities for children, parents and staff.
11. Completes monthly inventory of foods and supplies, rotates stock to use items efficiently.
12. Serves as a resource person for parent training as needed.
13. Clean and sanitize all kitchen equipment, i.e. refrigerator, food warmer, toaster oven, serving carts.
14. Monitor timely trash and garbage removal from kitchen/meal service area.
15. Must maintain all certifications related to food safety and handling.
16. Attends all workshops and meetings as deemed necessary by supervisor.
17. Positively promotes Head Start/Early Head Start in the community.

Qualified candidates must have a baseline familiarity of the Head Start/Early Head Start program. Must have basic knowledge of food handling, storage and safety. Candidates must relate well with children, families and staff; have the ability to follow directions and take initiative; and have the ability to keep all information on families confidential.


Candidates must maintain a working knowledge of the policies and procedures of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis and Head Start/Early Head Start Performance Standards and other regulations are preferred. Candidates must possess a valid driver's license and be insurable by the program insurance carrier as well as transport self to and from various Head Start/Early Head Start and agency locations.

A high school diploma or GED required and some experience with food service. Associate's degree preferred. Experience with food service is required.


Applicant must successfully complete and maintain Safe Food Handlers certification. Applicant must maintain updated City of St. Louis Health requirements, Red Cross First Aid Certification and CPR Certification as required. Per program policies, a health exam and clear tuberculosis screen are required for hire.


We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, military service or status, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other status protected by law.


EOE