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What does a Food Worker do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A food worker is someone who works in the food industry, preparing and serving food. They may work in a restaurant, café, or other food service establishment. Food workers must be able to follow recipes and prepare food according to health and safety standards. They must also be able to keep their work area clean and organized.

Food Worker job duties include:

  • Wash and clean kitchen equipment, appliances, and surfaces.
  • Sweep and mop floors.
  • Take out trash.
  • Wash dishes, glassware, flatware, pots, and pans by hand or using a dishwasher.
  • Clean food preparation areas, such as counters and cutting boards.
  • Restock supplies, such as utensils and dishes.
  • Prepare food for service, such as chopping vegetables or making sandwiches.
  • Serve food to customers.
  • Bag or wrap take-out foods.

Food Worker Job Requirements

Most food service jobs do not require a formal education, although some may prefer applicants with a high school diploma or equivalent. Many positions will provide on-the-job training, but some may require certification from the ServSafe program. Experience is not always necessary, but it is often preferred.

Food Worker Skills

  • Washing dishes
  • Stocking shelves
  • Cleaning up spills
  • Mopping floors
  • Taking out trash
  • Sweeping floors
  • Restocking utensils
  • Polishing silverware
  • Wiping down counters
  • Sanitizing surfaces
  • Preparing food

Related: Top Food Worker Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Food Worker

There are many different types of food workers, from those who work in restaurants to those who work in grocery stores. No matter what type of food worker you want to become, there are some basic steps you need to follow.

First, you will need to obtain a food handler’s license. This can usually be done by taking a short course at your local community college or online. Once you have your food handler’s license, you will be able to apply for jobs in the food industry.

Next, you will need to gain some experience working with food. This can be done by volunteering at a local soup kitchen or food bank, or by working at a restaurant or grocery store. Even if you don’t have any previous experience working with food, most employers will be willing to train you on the job.

Once you have some experience under your belt, you may want to consider pursuing a career in the food industry. There are many different types of careers available in the food industry, from catering to nutrition. If you have a passion for food and want to help others enjoy good health, a career in the food industry may be right for you!

Related: Food Worker Resume Example

Related: Food Worker Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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