Food Services Associate

Food Services Associate

Join more than 56,000 teammates working together to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve across North Carolina.

Job Description

The Food Service Associate (FSA) Production supports patient meal service by preparing ingredients and producing salads, sandwiches, and desserts for direct trayline service. This role performs basic food preparation and assembly tasks using standardized recipes, production sheets, and established food safety and sanitation standards. The position works under routine supervision and does not perform independent cooking of hot entrees or menu planning.

Prepares ingredients for food production, including washing, peeling, cutting, slicing, and measuring items as directed.

Produces salads, sandwiches, and desserts for patient trayline service according to standardized recipes and portion guidelines.

Assembles cold and simple food items for direct patient consumption.

Follows all food safety, sanitation, and infection prevention standards.

Maintains proper food temperatures, labeling, dating, and storage practices.

Maintains clean, sanitary, and organized workstations, equipment, and coolers.

Uses food products efficiently to minimize waste and support cost-effective operations.

Follows written and verbal instructions from supervisors and production leadership.

Works collaboratively with production and trayline teams to meet service timelines.

Demonstrates professionalism, teamwork, and a positive work ethic.

Wears required Nutrition and Food Services uniforms and maintains them in clean, serviceable condition.

Wears required non-slip footwear in all food production areas.

Performs other related duties as assigned to support department operations.

Food safety training (for example, ServSafe or equivalent).

OSHA and workplace safety training, including fire safety, chemical handling, bloodborne pathogens, choking response, and emergency procedures.

Ability to stand and walk for the majority of the shift.

Ability to bend, reach, stoop, and use hands for food preparation tasks.

Ability to lift and move supplies up to approximately 50 lb.

Kitchen and food production environment with exposure to hot and cold areas, sharp tools, cleaning chemicals, and food service equipment.

Flexible scheduling based on operational needs, including weekends and holidays.

Production kitchen operates 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.

Other Information

High school diploma or GED preferred.

One to three months of food service, kitchen support, or production experience preferred.

Equivalent combination of education and experience accepted.

Ability to read and write in English.

Ability to perform basic math related to measuring and portioning.

Ability to follow standardized recipes and production instructions.

Knowledge of basic food safety and sanitation practices.

Ability to safely use basic kitchen tools and equipment.

Ability to monitor and maintain appropriate food holding temperatures.