Food Service Worker

Porter-Leath is a well-established nonprofit organization dedicated to serving children, youth, and families by providing essential health, education, and nutrition services that support healthy development and well-being. Known for its long-standing commitment to community enrichment, Porter-Leath focuses on creating safe, nurturing environments that promote growth, learning, and stability for vulnerable populations. Operating in Tennessee, the organization collaborates with various government programs and educational frameworks, ensuring compliance with key standards such as those from Head Start, NAEYC, CACFP, USDA, and Tennessee Day Care Licensing.\n\nThe Food Service Worker role at Porter-Leath is integral to delivering this mission by providing nutritious, home-style meals to children and youth within the center. Reporting to the Food & Nutrition Supervisor, this full-time position is responsible for preparing and serving meals according to strict nutritional standards and dietary requirements, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, managing inventory, and handling food ordering. The role serves to ensure the highest standards of food safety and child nutrition are upheld, contributing both to regulatory compliance and the overall care environment. Despite not having supervisory responsibilities, the position calls for strong collaboration with other staff members to foster a positive, enriching, and safe atmosphere in the facility.\n\nKey to success in this role is thorough knowledge of USDA Child Food Program guidelines and food safety protocols, alongside proficiency in basic computer tasks to handle inventory and reporting. The Food Service Worker actively participates in monthly administrative reporting and communicates effectively with supervisors regarding programmatic issues. Additionally, this position requires physical stamina for kitchen work, including standing, lifting up to 50 pounds, and continuous movement within the work environment. The role also necessitates occasional local travel between sites, requiring a valid driver’s license, a personal vehicle, and a clean driving record with proper automobile insurance. Overall, the Food Service Worker plays a critical part in Porter-Leath’s commitment to nurturing healthy children and providing comprehensive support to families through nutritional excellence in a licensed childcare setting.