Nutrition Aide

About the Role

The Nutrition Aide coordinates daily food service for the Head Start/Early Head Start center, ensuring children receive adequate nutrition in a safe and sanitary manner. This position assists classroom staff in developing varied food experiences for children and may perform additional duties as needed.

Responsibilities

• Maintains a clean, sanitary, and safe food preparation area, including equipment and utensils.
• Receives, signs for, and inspects all food deliveries for proper temperature, condition (expiration dates, contaminants, etc.), and quantities; refuses non-compliant items and contacts supervisor.
• Serves food in a family-style dining manner (or as directed) to support program standards and goals.
• Practices safe and sanitary techniques while handling and serving meals, including the use of hairnets, aprons, and food-handling gloves.
• Tracks children with special dietary needs and provides adjustments, with direction, to ensure health and safety.
• Assists classroom staff with food service on field trips.
• Completes and maintains necessary documents to support the food service contract and comply with state and local Health Departments.
• Maintains cooperative relationships with outside vendors and program participants.
• Provides and participates in nutrition education activities for children, parents, and staff.
• Completes monthly inventory of foods and supplies, rotating stock efficiently.
• Serves as a resource person for parent training as needed.
• Cleans and sanitizes all kitchen equipment (e.g., refrigerator, food warmer, toaster oven, serving carts).
• Monitors timely trash and garbage removal from the kitchen/meal service area.
• Maintains all certifications related to food safety and handling.
• Attends workshops and meetings as required by the supervisor.
• Positively promotes Head Start/Early Head Start in the community.

Requirements

• Baseline familiarity with the Head Start/Early Head Start program.
• Basic knowledge of food handling, storage, and safety.
• Ability to relate well with children, families, and staff; follow directions; take initiative; and maintain confidentiality.
• Working knowledge of Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis policies and Head Start/Early Head Start Performance Standards (preferred).
• Valid driver’s license and insurability by the program’s insurance carrier; ability to transport self to various locations.
• High school diploma or GED required; Associate’s degree preferred.
• Experience with food service required.
• Must successfully complete and maintain Safe Food Handlers certification.
• Must maintain updated City of St. Louis Health requirements, Red Cross First Aid Certification, and CPR Certification.
• Health exam and clear tuberculosis screen required for hire.