Prep Cook, Culinary Team

Company Description

About KIPP NYC:
Founded in 1995, KIPP NYC Public Schools is a non-profit network of 18 free, public charter schools located in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Manhattan. We partner with families and communities to create joyful, academically excellent schools where every child grows up free to create the future they want for themselves and their communities.

From our first middle school, KIPP Academy in the Bronx, to today’s network of eight elementary schools, nine middle schools, and one high school, KIPP NYC provides students with engaging academics, arts, athletics, and social–emotional learning that prepare them for college, career, and beyond.

Our commitment doesn’t end at graduation. Through KIPP Forward, we continue to support our alumni as they navigate college, career, and life, helping them define success on their own terms and pursue the paths that align with their goals and sense of purpose.

Together, we serve more than 9,400 students, support 4700 alumni, and employ over 1,100 dedicated team members who bring passion, expertise, and commitment to our mission every day.

About KIPP NYC Culinary:

Since 2016, the KIPP NYC Culinary Team has been reimagining what school food can be by providing students with fresh, scratch-cooked, nutritious, and delicious meals at no cost to students or families. As an extension of KIPP NYC's commitment to creating joyful, academically excellent schools, the Culinary Team plays a vital role in ensuring students have access to healthy meals that support their learning, well-being, and overall success.

Today, the Culinary Team serves nearly 10,000 students across 18 KIPP NYC schools and continues to expand its innovative scratch-cooking model. In Fall 2026, the team will complete its expansion across the network, bringing high-quality school meals to every KIPP NYC student.

In recognition of its impact and bold vision for the future, KIPP NYC was awarded a Regional School Food Infrastructure Grant by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. This transformational investment will support the development of the KIPP NYC Culinary Institute—a central production and teaching kitchen, commissary, and workforce development hub that will strengthen school meal operations, expand career pathways for students, and deepen partnerships with local communities and New York State food producers.

Job Description

Position Overview

The Prep Cook is an essential member of KIPP NYC's Culinary Team, supporting the preparation and service of fresh, high-quality meals for students and staff each school day. Reporting to the Head Chef or Sous Chef, this role helps prepare breakfast, lunch, and snacks for school communities ranging from approximately 350 to 1,350 students and staff, depending on the campus.

The Prep Cook is responsible for preparing ingredients, supporting meal production, maintaining a clean and organized kitchen, and ensuring all food is prepared in accordance with the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, and quality. While previous commercial kitchen experience is preferred, KIPP NYC welcomes candidates who are eager to learn, take pride in their work, and are committed to serving students through healthy, delicious meals.

This role requires a dependable, team-oriented professional who believes that every meal is an opportunity to support student health, learning, and well-being.

This is a full-time, in-person position requiring on-site work five days per week. The role is based at one of our KIPP NYC campuses across the Bronx, Brooklyn, or Manhattan. Your primary work location will be determined by your leadership team.

Duties and Responsibilities:

General responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

Food Preparation & Meal Service

• Prepare fresh fruits, vegetables, salads, and other menu components in accordance with standardized recipes and production schedules.
• Assist with preparing ingredients and food items for breakfast, lunch, snack service, and special events.
• Portion and serve meals to students and staff while providing a welcoming, respectful, and customer-focused experience.
• Maintain knowledge of menu items, ingredients, allergens, and proper food preparation techniques.
• Support catering events, special meal functions, and other culinary initiatives as assigned.
• Assist in all areas of food production and meal service based on operational needs.

Food Safety & Kitchen Operations

• Maintain assigned workstations in a clean, organized, and sanitary condition throughout the workday.
• Follow all Department of Health (DOH), USDA, HACCP, and KIPP NYC food safety, sanitation, and cleaning procedures.
• Practice proper care,