YMCA - Summer Food Program

Description

Summer Food Program Staff

The Summer Food Program is an essential community initiative aimed at ensuring children have access to nutritious meals during the summer months when school is not in session. The program helps combat food insecurity and promotes healthy eating habits in children by providing balanced meals throughout the summer. Operating Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, the program will serve children at local parks and recreation centers. As part of this team, you will directly contribute to the well-being of the community, making a positive impact on the lives of children and their families.

Key Responsibilities:

• Meal Service: You will assist in serving nutritious meals to children, ensuring that each meal contains the appropriate components (e.g., protein, fruits, vegetables, grains, and milk). You will follow specific food portioning guidelines to maintain proper nutrition standards and make sure that meals are served in a timely and efficient manner.
• Accurate meal counts: You will complete daily meal counts during service, ensuring accurate tracking of the number of meals served each day. This data is essential for program reporting and ensures that the program is meeting its goals of serving children in need.
• Food safety and handling: Ensuring the proper handling of food is one of your most important responsibilities. You will follow best practices for food safety, from ensuring food is kept at the correct temperature to maintaining clean surfaces and utensils. Adhering to food safety standards helps prevent contamination and ensures the health and safety of every child participating in the program.
• Maintaining cleanliness: You will help maintain a clean and safe environment throughout the park or service site. This includes keeping the dining area clean, organizing the meal distribution area, and ensuring that the site is free of trash or hazards. A clean environment not only promotes safety but also sets a positive example for the children.

Qualifications:

• Mandatory Training: All staff must attend mandatory training before the start of the program. This training will cover essential topics such as food safety, meal service procedures, and best practices for working with children.
• Good Communication Skills: Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills are necessary, as you will be working directly with children, their families, and other staff members. You should be able to effectively convey information, respond to questions, and assist with any needs that arise during meal service.
• Dependability and Attendance: Punctuality and a strong sense of responsibility are critical. You must be reliable and have good attendance to ensure the program operates smoothly and that children receive the meals they need without disruption.
• Team-Oriented Attitude: As part of a team, you will be expected to collaborate and assist other staff members as needed. A cooperative, positive attitude is key to creating an effective and enjoyable working environment.
• Physical Ability: The position may require standing for long periods, moving between service areas, and carrying supplies such as food trays or boxes. You should be able to meet the physical demands of the position, which may also include light lifting (up to 25 lbs).

Additional Information:

• This is a seasonal position lasting for the duration of the Summer Food Program.
• The program operates Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Availability during these hours is required, and flexibility may be needed for additional duties or events.
• CPR/First Aid certification is preferred, but not required.
• All positions are subject to background checks and clearance before starting.

In-Person Instruction

Cost - Free