Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) reports that its food service teams provided nearly 13 million meals—including breakfasts, lunches, snacks, and suppers—during the 2024–25 academic year. The district employs food service managers, manager trainees, and assistants who work in a range of facilities from historic buildings to modern kitchens. These staff members are responsible for supporting students’ nutrition as well as their academic and social-emotional growth.
“A hungry child can’t learn,” said Nutrition Services Director Renee Slotten-Beauchamp, RDN, CD. “Working in our kitchens is a great opportunity for parents and caregivers to see what their children eat in school every day and reinforce healthy eating at home.
“We’re looking for parents and grandparents with experience feeding families of all sizes and people of all ages with service industry skills.”
MPS is seeking candidates interested in working not only in kitchens but also in classrooms and nurse’s offices. The district will hold a job fair on Wednesday, August 13 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at MPS Central Services located at 5225 W. Vliet Street in Milwaukee.
Positions are available ahead of the upcoming school year, including roles related to food service. Recruitment efforts continue throughout the year for those interested in applying.
The district’s approach includes training new hires to support an evolving menu that features more scratch-prepared meals, farm-to-table salads, and culturally responsive dishes such as tamales, empanadas, and vegetarian options. Orientation and training are conducted at a newly built production kitchen on Center Street.
“It’s an immensely valuable skill set, learning to serve food in high volume,” Slotten-Beauchamp added. “There’s a knack to knowing what has to be in the oven and when, understanding timing mechanisms, and following a proper sequence. And you should enjoy working with children and food!”
