Working at Foodland South Australia
Foodland is South Australia's largest independently owned supermarket chain, with over 90 stores across the state. As a proudly SA-owned business, Foodland offers teenagers a great opportunity to gain retail experience in their local community. Each store is independently owned and operated, which often means a more personal working environment and flexible arrangements for young workers starting their first job.
Quick Facts
- Minimum age:
- 14 years 9 months
- Average pay (under 18):
- $13-$18/hour (varies by age)
- How to apply:
- In-store or via individual store websites
- Common teen roles:
- Checkout, shelf stacking, trolley collection, bakery assistant
How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at Foodland?
Foodland stores typically hire team members from around 14 years and 9 months old, following standard supermarket industry practices in South Australia. This aligns with SA's employment regulations, which allow young people to work with some restrictions for those under 15.
Since Foodland operates primarily in South Australia, here's what you need to know about working there:
| State | Foodland Min Age | State Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| South Australia | 14 years 9 months | No permit required |
Foodland is a South Australia-focused supermarket chain, so positions are primarily available in SA. As each store is independently owned, hiring practices and minimum age requirements may vary slightly between locations. It's worth checking with your local store directly.
What Jobs Can Teens Do at Foodland?
As a teenager at Foodland, you'll start in one of the entry-level retail positions. The specific role you get often depends on what's available at your local store and your availability. Here are the most common roles for teen workers:
Checkout Operator
Working on the registers involves scanning items, handling cash and card payments, and helping customers with their shopping. You'll receive training on the POS system and customer service. This role is ideal if you're comfortable talking to people and want to develop your communication skills. Foodland stores are known for friendly, community-focused service.
Shelf Stacking
This involves restocking shelves, rotating stock to ensure freshness, and keeping the store tidy. You'll learn about stock rotation, product placement, and inventory management. This role is good if you prefer working independently and being active during your shift.
Trolley Collection
You'll collect trolleys from the car park and return them to the store entrance. It's outdoor work, so you'll need to be comfortable in different weather conditions. The upside is that it's active, the shifts go quickly, and you'll get plenty of fresh air.
Produce and Bakery Assistant
Foodland stores often feature fresh bakeries and quality produce sections. Junior team members may assist with stocking fruit and vegetables, packaging baked goods, and keeping displays looking fresh. This is a great role if you're interested in fresh food retail.
Once you turn 18, additional roles may open up including working in the deli, meat department, or liquor section. Some team members also progress to supervisor or department lead roles as they gain experience.
How Much Does Foodland Pay?
Foodland pays according to the General Retail Industry Award. For workers under 21, pay is calculated as a percentage of the adult rate based on your age. The rates below are approximate and may vary slightly between stores:
| Age | Weekday Rate (approx) | Weekend Rate (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Under 16 | $11-$12/hour | $14-$18/hour |
| 16 years | $13-$14/hour | $16-$21/hour |
| 17 years | $15-$16/hour | $19-$24/hour |
| 18 years | $18-$19/hour | $23-$29/hour |
| 19 years | $20-$21/hour | $25-$32/hour |
| 20 years | $22-$23/hour | $28-$35/hour |
Weekend rates are higher due to penalty rates. Saturdays typically pay 125% of the base rate, and Sundays pay 150% or more. Public holidays pay even higher. If you can work weekends, you'll earn significantly more per hour.
These rates increase on 1 July each year when the minimum wage is reviewed. As independently owned stores, some Foodland locations may also offer staff discounts on groceries.
How to Apply for a Job at Foodland
Since Foodland stores are independently owned, the application process varies by location. Here's how to apply:
- Find your local Foodland store - Visit the Foodland store locator to find stores near you. Note down the stores that would be convenient for you to get to.
- Visit the store in person - Many Foodland stores prefer in-person applications. Drop by your local store, ask to speak with a manager, and enquire about any job openings. Bring a printed copy of your resume and dress neatly. This approach works well for independently owned stores.
- Check for online options - Some larger Foodland stores may advertise positions on job boards like Seek or Indeed. Search for "Foodland" plus your suburb or area to find current listings.
- Prepare your resume - Even if it's your first job, having a basic resume shows initiative. Include your contact details, school, availability, and any volunteer work or extracurricular activities.
- Highlight your availability - Supermarkets need staff during busy periods like weekends and after school. Be clear about when you can work, and mention if you're available on weekends as this makes you more attractive to employers.
- Follow up politely - If you haven't heard back after a week or two, it's fine to call or visit the store to politely follow up on your application. This shows genuine interest and can help your application get noticed.
As independently owned stores, Foodland locations often have a more personal hiring process than larger national chains. Being polite, friendly, and showing genuine interest in working at their store can make a real difference.
Interview Tips for Foodland
If your application is successful, you'll be invited for an interview at the store. Foodland interviews are typically relaxed and focus on your availability, customer service skills, and attitude. Here's how to prepare:
What to Wear
Dress neatly and presentably. You don't need a suit, but avoid ripped jeans, thongs, or anything too casual. Clean, tidy clothes in neutral colours work well. Think "smart casual" rather than formal.
Common Interview Questions
Foodland interviews typically include questions like:
- Tell me about yourself and why you want to work here
- What does good customer service mean to you?
- How would you handle a difficult customer?
- What's your availability like? Can you work weekends?
- Do you have any experience with fresh food or retail?
What to Bring
Bring a copy of your resume if you have one, photo ID, and something to take notes with.
Having your TFN ready (or at least applied for) is also helpful, as they'll need it when you start.
Show Your Local Connection
Foodland prides itself on being South Australia's own supermarket chain. Mentioning that you shop there, know the neighbourhood, or appreciate supporting local businesses can help show you're a good fit for their community-focused culture.
The interview usually takes about 15-30 minutes. If successful, they'll offer you the job on the spot or call you within a few days. You'll then complete paperwork and training before your first shift.
Getting Started Checklist
Ready to apply for a job at Foodland? Make sure you've got everything sorted:
- 1.Check your age - You need to be at least 14 years and 9 months old to apply. If you're close, wait until you meet the requirement.
- 2.Apply for your TFN - Do this before you get a job. It takes about a week to arrive and you'll need it when you start work.
- 3.Create a basic resume - Even without work experience, include your school, any volunteer work, and your skills and interests.
- 4.Find your nearest store - Use the Foodland store locator to find stores near you in South Australia.
- 5.Work out your availability - Think about when you can work around school and other commitments. Being available on weekends makes you more attractive to employers.
- 6.Visit the store in person - For independently owned stores like Foodland, applying in person is often the most effective approach. Dress neatly and bring your resume.
- 7.Set up a bank account - If you don't have one already, open a bank account so they can pay you. Most banks offer free accounts for under-18s.
Frequently Asked Questions
Foodland stores typically hire team members from around 14 years and 9 months old, following standard supermarket industry practices in South Australia. However, as each store is independently owned, requirements may vary slightly.
Foodland is a South Australia-focused supermarket chain with over 90 stores across the state, from metropolitan Adelaide to regional areas. It's SA's largest independently owned supermarket network.
Teenagers at Foodland typically work as checkout operators, shelf stackers, trolley collectors, or produce and bakery assistants. As you gain experience and turn 18, you may be able to move into deli, meat, liquor, or supervisory roles.
Foodland pays according to the General Retail Industry Award. Teenagers earn junior rates based on their age, typically ranging from $11-$18 per hour on weekdays, with higher rates on weekends and public holidays.
No, Foodland stores hire people with no prior work experience. They provide training for all entry-level positions. Having a positive attitude, good availability, and a willingness to learn is more important than experience.
The best approach is to visit your local Foodland store in person with a resume and ask to speak with a manager. Since each store is independently owned, in-person applications often work better than online job boards.
Last updated: December 2025. Information sourced from Information sourced from Foodland SA and the Fair Work Commission.. Pay rates are approximate and subject to annual reviews. Check with your local store for current openings and exact pay rates. Foodland stores are independently owned, so hiring practices may vary by location. Foodland operates primarily in South Australia.