CCK Meal Production Intern (12-Month Role)

For students interested in food production, meal preparation, and kitchen operations who are pursuing a career in food service or food manufacturing and want hands-on experience in a commercial kitchen setting.

 

Department: Chicago’s Community Kitchens (CCK)

Supervising Mentors: Production Chef, Food Operations Production Manager

Duration: 12 months

Modality: In-Person

Schedule: 20 hours per week (35-40 during school breaks)

Pay: $21/hour

 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Greater Chicago Food Depository is seeking interns to support our mission work to end hunger in Cook County. The Food Depository is a part of the Feeding America network, which is the largest domestic hunger-relief organization in the United States. The Meal Production intern would be a member of the Chicago’s Community Kitchens (CCK) Team, supporting the production and packaging of prepared meals as well as maintaining the organization and maintenance of food inventory. This role assists the Production Chef & Food Operations Production Manager with administrative duties as needed. Additionally, the Production Intern executes a variety of directives in the kitchen.

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Food Prep – adhere to food safety and recipe guidelines to safely prepare food items
• Meal Packaging – assist in monitoring IDA compliance regulations, maintain consistency and quality of food items
• Meal Reheat – adhere to and ensure compliance with HACCP and sanitation processes and procedures
• Inventory Control – assist in documentation and tracking of inventory
• Sanitation Management – maintain a clean workstation and assist with dishes as needed
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must remain enrolled at City Colleges and in good academic standing (minimum GPA: 2.5) for the duration of the internship
• Must have no less than 30 credits by the end of Spring 2025 with the goal to complete an Associate’s Degree by the end of the Spring 2026 semester
• Be available to intern at least 20 hours per week during school for shifts no less than 4 hours each during operating hours of Monday – Friday, 8:30a – 5:00pm, hybrid (M/F remote, Tu/W/Th in person); more than 20 hours of internship per week can be accommodated
• Available to intern 35-40 hours per week during school breaks during same operating hours
• Be committed to seeking full time employment in the food service or food manufacturing industry after the internship
• Possess a Food Handler Sanitation Certification or ability to pass test for certification
• Must be organized and detail-oriented
• Able to take direction and feedback
• Able to push, pull, and lift equipment and food containers that weigh up to 50 pounds
• Possess basic computer skills for data entry
• Able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
• Be a motivated individual with a positive attitude
• Able to problem solve

EXPOSURE:

• The Meal Production Intern will primarily work in a commercial kitchen environment, including freezer/refrigerator temperatures and warehouse exposure as needed
• Walking/standing for long periods of time, up to 4 hours at a time

BENEFITS:

• $21/ hour internship wage
• Professional development throughout the internship such as Financial Health, Digital Literacy, Advocacy, Networking, etc.
• Onsite wellness center with ample, advanced fitness equipment
• $5 daily credit to Fooda lunch provider; Fooda is an on-site, pop-up food vendor at the Food Depository Monday through Thursday each week with rotating vendors and menu offerings

Before you Apply:

Click here to download sample resume and cover letter

Resume Template

Cover Letter Template

We also suggest that you contact the Career Development Department at your campus for assistance with your résumé, cover letter or interviewing workshops:

Contact through Navigate

• Daley College – Julie MacCarthy   – on Navigate
• Harold Washington College – Jasmin Dobson OR Ashley Smith – on Navigate
• Kennedy-King College – Ingrid Prioleau Byrd – on Navigate

Contact through email:

• Malcolm X College – Maria Gutierrez  –  MXC-Careers@ccc.edu
• Olive-Harvey College –  Charlene Haymond-Bussell  –  chaymond-bussell@ccc.edu
• Truman College –  Meredith Gallo-Murphy – mgallo-murphy@ccc.edu
• Wilbur Wright College – Joe Reaves – jreaves@ccc.edu

How to Apply:

1. Review this job description
2. Update your Resume and Cover Letter (templates above)
3. Click the link below to Apply
4. After completing the application link, your resume and cover letter will be screened by CCC to determine IF you meet the requirements for the position.
5. CCC will communicate with you if you are moved forward in the process so you can continue the process with the employer.