Foodservice porters are usually hired in hospitals and residential medical facilities, where their primary work is to transport food and beverage items to patients and residents.
In some places, they may be hired by hotels and resorts, where their work revolves around taking food trays and trolleys to and from guest rooms.
Since food service porters work in many different capacities, let’s talk about what is common between all of them
To work as a food service porter, you have to possess a high school diploma or a GED equivalent at the very least. If you have had some experience of handling food services – even in the hospitality industry – you will be considered a right person to hire at this position.
As a food service porter, your primary duties will include setting up food trays and trolleys with correct orders, and ensuring that they are delivered to the right patients or customers.
Working at this position means that you will be on the go most of the day, which is why it is imperative that you possess the physical agility that is required to do justice to this job. Moreover, you will need to maintain a pleasant demeanor and ensure that patients or customers are served promptly and that their food is properly portioned.
The following list of duties particular to the position of a food service porter will give you a wider view of what this work is all about:
Food Service Porter Duties & Responsibilities
• Look through order sheets to determine which food has been ordered or prescribed for which patient or customer.
• Arrange food and beverages on trays and trolleys, after determining the accuracy of each order.
• Check each dish or platter to ensure that proper portioning has been done, according to the specifics of the menu.
• Transport trolleys, and carry trays to patients or guests’ rooms, and place them appropriately on tables.
• Respond to calls for trolley or tray pick-up, ensuring that timeliness is kept in mind.
• Place soiled/used utensils in kitchen sinks, and assist kitchen helpers in washing and drying them.
• Assist in the preparation of a variety of food items, including sandwiches, soups, and salads.
• Remove trash from bins, and ensure that it is properly disposed of, according to facility policies.
• Assist in setting up service lines, by following established rules and protocols.
• Receive and stock food items in storage areas, and ensure that food rotation activities are properly performed.