Cook in East Palo Alto, California at Peninsula Family Service

About Us

Peninsula Family Service (PFS) is a nonprofit organization that provides children, families, and older adults with the support and tools they need to realize their full potential.?As one of the largest providers of infant, toddler, and preschool programs in the region, PFS also delivers services in financial empowerment, employment, and older adult support — ensuring that people at every stage of life have access to opportunities to thrive. Established in 1950, PFS has been a trusted community partner for over 75 years, dedicated to fostering stability, resilience, and well-being for the individuals and families it serves.?

At PFS, our values guide how we serve our community and work together as a team.?We expect every team member to?demonstrate Ownership, Proactive Engagement, and a commitment to?Continuous?Learning and?Adaptability. These values are?grounded in a shared dedication to community, service, and collaborative teamwork.?

Job Summary

The cook is responsible for overall food preparation, meal service, and kitchen maintenance for children enrolled in the program. This role ensures that all meals meet nutritional guidelines, comply with state licensing health codes, and accommodate children with food allergies and dietary restrictions

REPORT TO: Site Manager

JOB CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Food Preparation and Service

• Plan and prepare nutritious, balanced, and appealing meals for breakfast, lunches, and afternoon snacks for all classrooms for up to 75 children daily.
• Ensure food portions meet the required nutritional and regulatory guidelines (e.g. CACFP [Child and Adult Care Food Program) for toddlers and young children.
• Accurately cater to children with food allergies, intolerances, or special dietary requirements.
• Deliver meals and snacks to the classroom on schedule and at the correct temperatures.
• Prepare appropriate quantities based on daily attendance and classroom counts.

Menu Planning & Inventory

• Develop rotating seasonal menus that introduce young children to a variety of healthy foods.
• Create shopping lists and submit request to site manager
• Receive, verify, and properly store food deliveries, ensuring all items are labeled, dated, and rotated.

Health, Safety & Sanitation

• Maintain a clean, hygienic, and organized kitchen environment at all times, adhering strictly to local health department and state licensing standards.
• Sanitize cooking surfaces, equipment, and utensils before, during, and after meal prep.
• Wash dishes, pots, and pans, and ensure all dishes are properly air-dried and stored.
• Safely dispose of trash, recycling, and food waste daily.
• Monitor refrigerator and freezer temperatures to ensure food safety.
• Maintain regular checklists for cleaning schedules, food logs, and temperature checks.

Collaboration and Communication

• Communicate positively and professionally with children, teaching staff, and parents.
• Work with teaching staff to track daily attendance and coordinate meal counts.
• Participate in staff meetings and contribute to center newsletters with kitchen tips or recipes, if applicable.

Perform other duties as assigned by manager or supervisory staff.

QUALIFICATIONS Experience

• Minimum of 1-2 years of experience as a cook, preferably in childcare, school, or commercial/institutional food service setting.
• Certification: Valid Food Handler’s Certification (or ability to obtain one upon hiring).
• Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) compliance/training within 6 months of hire
• Knowledge: Familiarity with early childhood nutritional guidelines and USDA/state childcare food programs.
• Skills: Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, and lift/carry up to 50 pounds regularly.
• Ability to work effectively in a warm, commercial kitchen environment.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Before the first day of employment, candidates must obtain and maintain all required background clearances, including California Department of Justice (DOJ) fingerprint clearance, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) fingerprint clearance, and a Child Abuse Central Index check, as required by state childcare licensing. Candidates must also complete the required health screening, including a tuberculosis test, for childcare workers.
• Verification to legally work in the United States and updated as required.

Peninsula Family Service’s VALUES are expected of every staff member. All of our work is based on our commitment to serve our community and work together as a team.?We expect every team member to?demonstrate Ownership, Proactive Engagement, and a commitment to?Continuous?Learning and?Adaptability. These values are?grounded in a shared dedication to community, service, and collaborative teamwork.? This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.