Food preparation workers get food ready for cooking or serving.

Food preparation workers prepare foods for cooking by:

• Cleaning
• Cutting
• Measuring
• Peeling
• Weighing

Food preparation workers prep food according to a supervisor's instructions. In some cases menus change daily, so the food that needs to be prepared varies greatly. Workers who are employed by large cafeterias or restaurants may work in an assembly line.

Food preparation workers prepare food and arrange it on serving dishes or in containers. They distribute food to waiters and waitresses to serve to customers. They also prepare and serve a variety of beverages, such as coffee, tea, and soft drinks. They may help cooks and chefs with tasks during busy times. They may also keep salad bars, buffet tables, salt and pepper shakers, and utensil areas filled and stocked.

Food preparation workers clean and maintain work areas and equipment. They may also order, store, and distribute food supplies, equipment, and utensils. Some may keep records of how much food was used. They keep their work areas clean and often load and run large industrial dishwashers.