HEAD START - RXII - Substitute Cook, Seasonal

HEAD START - RXII
- Substitute Cook, Seasonal

Head Start
- Blue Earth, MN, 1220 S Rice Street, Blue Earth, Minnesota, United States of America

Posted Monday, June 15, 2026 at 5:00 AM

The Cook is responsible for assisting with the preparation of nutritious pre‑approved meals and snacks for children in a family‑style meal setting. Under the guidance of the Lead Cook and supervision of the Center Manager, the Cook provides children with opportunities to gain experience in the nutrition area, complies with safety and sanitation policies, and may assume certain Lead Cook responsibilities in their absence.

The Cook also supports recruitment efforts by providing information to parents about program services and benefits offered to enrolled children and families.

• Assist in preparation of pre‑approved meals and snacks for meal service.
• Follow pre‑approved menus and use standardized recipes while cooking.
• Make substitutions of menu items only if absolutely necessary, ensuring equal value to the original item and documenting the substitution on a form.
• Adapt menu to meet dietary requirements of children with special needs under guidance of the Food Services Specialist or Center Manager.
• Monitor plate waste and report results to the Food Services Specialist.
• Assist with purchases within recommended budgetary guidelines as directed by the Food Services Specialist or Center Manager.
• Return damaged goods to distributor.
• Make appropriate substitutions for infant and toddlers when food selection is not age appropriate.
• Assist classroom staff with serving children during mealtimes when needed.

• Prepare pre‑approved breakfast and snacks for meal service.
• Follow pre‑approved menus and use pre‑approved food items.
• Make substitutions of menu items only if absolutely necessary, ensuring equal value to the original item and documenting the substitution on the production record.
• Adapt menu to meet dietary requirements of children with special needs under guidance of the Food Services Specialist and Center Manager.
• Monitor plate waste and report results to the Food Services Specialist and Center Manager.
• Assist with purchases and orders within recommended budgetary guidelines as directed by the Center Manager or Food Services Specialist.
• Return damaged goods to distributor.
• Communicate with vendors frequently to report meal counts and express any concerns or needs.
• Communicate with vendor to ensure appropriate substitutions for infant and toddlers when food selection is not age appropriate.
• Assist classroom staff with serving children during mealtimes when needed.

• Record number of meals and snacks served daily and complete a production record for each meal.
• Record food temperatures for each food item daily.
• Record refrigerator and freezer temperatures daily.
• Maintain an inventory of all equipment and material.
• Complete fiscal paperwork in a timely manner when necessary.
• Assist in preparing monthly food service reports when required.

• Maintain high standards of sanitation in preparation, service, and storage of food.
• Prepare all meals and snacks according to State Health Department sanitation standards, including proper time and temperature, exposure of foods, personal hygiene, cleaning procedures, and schedule.
• Use correct operating, cleaning, sanitizing, and safety procedures for all kitchen equipment.
• Follow agency and regulatory information and ensure all necessary postings are conspicuously visible to the public.
• Store food on a first‑in‑first‑out basis and in a manner that meets proper sanitation standards.
• Notify appropriate personnel of malfunctioning or broken equipment and supplies.
• Discuss safety concerns with the Food Services Specialist and Center Manager in a timely fashion.
• Obtain a First Aid and CPR certification within 90 days of hire and maintain certification throughout employment.

• Must be at least 16 years old; candidates are strongly encouraged to obtain a high school diploma or GED.
• Ability to read and complete necessary paperwork in English.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

If you are an applicant with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact Human Resources at  or hr.

Employee Type: Seasonal Substitute

Hours per Week: As Needed

Shift

Schedule:

As Needed

Service Area Coverage: Blue Earth, MN

Questions about the position: Please contact Randi Rieffer, Randi.

Rieffer