The Cook prepares and serves nutritious meals and snacks in accordance with the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and agency standards. This position is responsible for meal preparation, food sanitation and safety, portioning, and supporting positive mealtime experiences for children. The Cook works closely with program staff, families, and other team members to promote healthy eating habits, ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, and create safe, developmentally appropriate meal service experiences for children enrolled in Mid-Columbia Children’s Council (MCCC). Essential Duties and Responsibilities The essential functions of this job include, but are not limited to: PREPARING AND SERVING FOOD 1. Prepare meals according to approved recipes and the meal pattern to ensure compliance with MCCC, USDA, and CACFP guidelines, maintaining consistency, quality, and portion standards. 2. Follow proper food preparation and handling practices to maintain safety, sanitation, and overall food quality. 3. Follow the written menu, making substitutions as needed due to supply or availability issues, and accurately document all changes to ensure menus remain accessible and compliance records are complete. Ensure menus remain accessible and available to families. 4. Accommodate individual dietary needs, including infants, toddlers, children with allergies, disabilities, or required food substitutions, ensuring each child receives food that is safe and appropriate. 5. Plan and manage food purchasing and ordering to maintain adequate inventory of ingredients and supplies in accordance with the written menu and meal schedule. 6. Prepare and serve meals with correct portions, coordinating production with the meal schedule to ensure meals and snacks are served on time, all required components are provided, and additional servings are available as needed. 7. Assist with classroom meal service as needed, including participating in family-style meal service, setting up and cleaning tables, chairs, and floors, depending on center requirements. 8. Provide safe drinking water for children throughout all program hours. 9. Prepare meals or snacks for special events, such as parent meetings, classroom celebrations, or other agency activities, maintaining the same quality and safety standards as regular meal service. 10. Complete and maintain required meal service compliance documentation to ensure accurate records of food preparation, purchases, and program compliance. SANITATION, MAINTENANCE, AND RECORDKEEPING 11. Handle and store food safely by discarding leftovers that have left the kitchen, properly storing unused food, labeling and dating prepared or opened packaged foods, and maintaining safe storage temperatures at all times. 12. Clean and maintain kitchen areas and equipment, including washing dishes, sanitizing surfaces, and keeping appliances in proper working order. Submit all required logs and checklists at the end of each month and report any equipment needing repair. 13. Monitor and maintain inventory of food, paper products, cleaning supplies, and other kitchen necessities to ensure adequate availability and continuity of service. 14. Properly store purchased items according to food safety regulations, including refrigeration, freezing, or dry storage. OTHER 15. Promote the well-being and development of children and families by following program goals, principles, and best practices in all aspects of your work. 16. Maintain professional conduct and integrity by modeling respectful, ethical, and responsible behavior consistent with agency standards. 17. Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, policies, and procedures, including safety, health, and program requirements relevant to your role. 18. Act as a mandatory reporter by promptly recognizing and reporting any suspected child abuse or neglect in accordance with agency policies and state law. 19. Collaborate and communicate effectively with colleagues, families, and community partners to support agency goals and provide high-quality services. 20. Use ongoing monitoring, documentation, and feedback to evaluate and improve performance, ensuring accountability and continuous quality improvement. 21. Participate in professional development to maintain and enhance skills, knowledge, and competencies in alignment with agency goals and standards. 22. Act as a positive representative of the agency in all interactions with children, families, staff, and the community. 23. Performs all other work-related duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Required · High school diploma or equivalent. · Two to three years of experience in food service or preparation. · Sufficient English proficiency to comprehend both oral and written directions. Preferred Preferred · Two to three years of experience in CACF
