Cook

Job Description

Job Description

Meals on Wheels Western Michigan

Cook

***This position is scheduled for daytime hours Monday - Friday, with periodic evening shifts required based on operational needs***

  About Us

At Meals on Wheels Western Michigan, our mission is to provide quality nutrition services in a supportive environment to promote the health and independence of older adults in Kent and Allegan Counties. We do this by offering a range of programs — including home‑delivered meals, community dining sites, senior pantry shopping and liquid nutritional supplements — that help seniors live independently, stay connected and thrive in their own homes. Meals on Wheels delivers more than just food, we deliver kindness, companionship and hope — ensuring that no senior is hungry or forgotten. Our core values shape how we work, how we treat others, and how we support our community. They are: 

•   Treat People Well.  We work hard to create a respectful environment where kindness, inclusivity and understanding are paramount.
•   Do the Right Thing.  We own our mistakes and follow through on our commitments. 
•   Be a Team Player.  We listen, we pitch in and we are always thinking beyond our immediate team. 
•   Aim for Excellence.  We innovate often, we stay curious and learn from our mistakes.

  About this role: 

Want to help fight hunger in Western Michigan? Looking for more balance in your life working consistent hours that do not include regular nights and weekends? As a Cook at Meals on Wheels Western Michigan, you will play a critical role in preparing high-quality, nutritious, and visually appealing meals for older adults. Working in a high-volume, fast-paced food service environment, you will ensure meals are prepared safely, efficiently, and in accordance with established recipes, dietary requirements, and quality standards. This position is essential to supporting our mission of providing healthy meals that enhance the well-being and independence of the individuals we serve. Join our team and make a meaningful impact through your culinary skills and commitment to excellence.

In this role you will:

• First and foremost, align with our mission and values as an organization.
• Prepares and cooks large quantities of meals according to standardized recipes, production schedules, and dietary requirements.
• Ensures food is prepared, portioned, and presented to established quality, nutrition, and service standards. 
• Follows food safety and sanitation control procedures at all times. 
• Monitors food quality, temperatures, and portion control to maintain consistency and regulatory compliance.
• Prepares specialized smaller-batch menu items as needed. 
• Operates, cleans, sanitizes, and maintains commercial kitchen equipment and work areas. 
• Assists with food storage, inventory rotation, waste reduction, and supply management. 
• Performs setup, teardown, dishwashing, and general kitchen cleaning duties. 
• Collaborates with the culinary team to ensure efficient meal production and timely service.

What's in it for you:

We don’t do fine print and mystery perks. Here’s what we offer and what you can count on:

• Work life balance that includes consistent DAY shifts
• Impact on our community and incredible team members
• Competitive compensation
• Comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance after 30 days of employment
• Company match for both HSA and 401(k) dollars – eligible to participate immediately! 
• Life insurance, short and long-term disability and Flexible Spending Account options
• PTO to rest and recharge along with paid holidays 
• Employee Assistance Program to provide you and your household members with free, confidential support.