The Giving Plate, Inc.: Empowering Communities

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Job Title: Head Chef
Organization: The Giving Plate, Inc.
Location: Dallas, TX
Employment Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Program Director
Compensation: Commensurate with experience

The Giving Plate, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing nutritious, delicious meals to children in after-school programs. Our mission is to combat food insecurity while promoting healthy eating habits. We operate a high-volume kitchen, serving meals at scale with a focus on quality, nutrition, and budget-conscious practices.

The Head Chef will oversee meal planning, preparation, and execution for our after-school meal program, ensuring that children receive wholesome, appealing meals in a safe and efficient manner. This role requires culinary expertise, leadership skills, and the ability to work within budget constraints while maintaining high food quality standards.

✔ Meal Planning & Preparation:

• Design nutritious, kid-friendly menus that meet dietary guidelines and budget requirements.
• Cook large-scale meals (e.g., 100+ servings daily) efficiently while maintaining quality.
• Adapt recipes based on ingredient availability, donations, or seasonal produce.

✔ Kitchen & Food Safety Management:

• Ensure compliance with health department regulations and food safety standards (360 Training or ServSafe preferred).
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment.
• Oversee proper food storage, handling, and waste reduction.

✔ Team Leadership & Training:

• Supervise and train kitchen staff and volunteers in meal prep and safety protocols.
• Foster a positive, mission-driven kitchen culture.

✔ Budget & Inventory Control:

• Assist with food purchasing, vendor relations, and cost-effective sourcing.
• Track inventory and minimize food waste.

✅ Culinary Experience:

• 3+ years of professional cooking experience (schools, catering, nonprofits, or large-scale food service preferred).
• Experience cooking for children or large groups (100+ meals/day).

✅ Food Safety & Compliance:

• 360 Training or ServSafe Certified Preferred (or willingness to obtain certification).
• Knowledge of allergen management and dietary restrictions.

✅ Organizational & Leadership Skills:

• Ability to work independently and lead a team.
• Strong time management and problem-solving skills.

✅ Mission Alignment:

• Passion for fighting food insecurity and serving children.
• Comfort working in a nonprofit/community-based environment.

• Experience with USDA or child nutrition programs.
• Background in budget-conscious meal planning.

• Monday–Friday, 8 hours/day, 8am- 4:30pm
• Occasional flexibility for special events or menu adjustments.

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Job Title: Prep Cook
Organization: The Giving Plate, Inc.
Location: Dallas, TX
Employment Type: Part-Time (Monday–Friday, approx. 20-25 hrs./week)
Reports To: Head Chef / Kitchen Manager
Compensation: Commensurate with experience

The Giving Plate, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing nutritious, delicious meals to children in after-school programs. Our mission is to combat food insecurity while promoting healthy eating habits. We operate a high-volume kitchen, serving meals at scale with a focus on quality, nutrition, and budget-conscious practices.

The Prep Cook will assist in preparing large quantities of food for our after-school meal program, ensuring meals are made efficiently, safely, and consistently. This role requires attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to follow recipes accurately while working in a fast-paced environment.

✔ Food Preparation:

• Wash, chop, marinate, and portion ingredients for large-scale meal production (100+ servings/day).
• Assist in cooking and assembling meals under the guidance of the Head Chef.
• Follow standardized recipes while maintaining consistency and quality.

✔ Kitchen Maintenance & Safety:

• Maintain a clean and organized workspace, including proper storage of food and supplies.
• Adhere to food safety and sanitation standards (360 Training or ServSafe guidelines preferred).
• Assist with dishwashing and kitchen cleanup as needed.

✔ Team Support:

• Work closely with the Head Chef / kitchen team to ensure smooth operations.
• Help with inventory management and stocking supplies.

✅ Experience & Skills:

• Previous experience in food prep, catering, or institutional cooking (schools, nonprofits, or restaurants a plus).
• Ability to work efficiently in a high-volume kitchen.
• Basic knife skills and familiarity with kitchen equipment.

✅ Food Safety & Compliance:

• 360 Training or ServSafe Certified Preferred (or willingness to obtain certification).
• Willingness to follow strict hygiene and sanitation protocols.

✅ Personal Attributes:

• Reliable, punctual, and able to work independently or as part of a team.
• Comfortable standing for extended periods and lifting up to 30-50 lbs.
• Passion for community service and child nutrition.

• Monday–Friday, 4-5 hours/day (afternoon shifts, typically 11 AM–4 PM—adjust based on meal service timing).
• Occasional flexibility for special events or early prep shifts.