Chef - Community Kitchen and Meal Program

Founded in 1974, Dutchess Outreach is one of the Hudson Valley’s leading organizations addressing hunger and food insecurity. Through our Lunch Box community meal program and Food Pantry, we provide nutritious food, connection, and dignity to thousands of neighbors each month.

Our Lunch Box kitchen serves more than 600 meals every day in a welcoming, restaurant-style environment where meals are prepared with care, creativity, and respect. We believe deeply that food matters — not just calories, but quality, nutrition, flavor, presentation, and the experience of being cared for through a meal.

We are looking for a talented chef who shares those values.

This is not a traditional restaurant job. It is an opportunity to use your culinary skills to make a meaningful impact in the community while helping shape the future of an innovative and growing organization.

Position Summary

Dutchess Outreach is seeking an experienced, collaborative, and mission-driven Chef to help lead daily operations in our high-volume community kitchen.

The ideal candidate is someone who:

• Takes pride in preparing high-quality food at scale
• Treats every guest with dignity and kindness
• Works well as part of a team
• Is calm, adaptable, and solutions-oriented in a fast-paced environment
• Enjoys mentoring volunteers and sharing knowledge
• Wants to grow professionally alongside an evolving organization

Our kitchen is deeply relationship-centered. We are looking for someone who understands that the way food is prepared and served matters just as much as the meal itself.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and oversee production of nutritious, appealing meals for large-scale daily service
• Assist with menu planning, food preparation, ordering, and inventory management
• Incorporate fresh, local, donated, and seasonal ingredients into menus whenever possible
• Maintain high standards for food quality, consistency, presentation, and flavor
• Ensure compliance with all food safety and sanitation requirements
• Help maintain organized, clean, and efficient kitchen and storage spaces
• Work collaboratively with kitchen staff, volunteers, and leadership to support daily operations
• Train and supervise volunteers in food preparation, safety, and cleanup procedures
• Foster a welcoming and respectful environment for guests, volunteers, and coworkers
• Support continuous improvement in kitchen systems, workflow, and meal quality
• Serve as part of a collaborative culinary leadership team helping shape the future of our meal program

QualificationsRequired

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Minimum 2 years of high-volume cooking experience
• Experience preparing meals at institutional, catering, banquet, buffet, restaurant, or community kitchen scale
• Strong culinary skills and understanding of food production systems
• Ability to multitask and problem solve in a busy kitchen environment
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse guests, volunteers, and coworkers
• Commitment to teamwork, professionalism, and respectful service
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds

Preferred

• ServSafe certification or equivalent food safety training
• Experience working in nonprofit, institutional, or community-based food service
• Bilingual English/Spanish
• Experience working with volunteers
• Interest in local food systems, nutrition, and community-centered cooking

Compensation & Benefits

• Full-time, non-exempt position, 35 hr/week
• Primarily daytime schedule — no nights, some weekends
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off
• 401(k)

Equal Opportunity Employer

Dutchess Outreach is committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and supportive workplace. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds and experiences to apply, including individuals who may not meet every listed qualification but believe they would thrive in this role.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every qualification listed. If this position excites you, we encourage you to apply even if your experience does not align perfectly with every requirement.

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Food provided
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Food provided
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Spanish speaking preferred. Ability to communicate in English, verbally and in writing, required.