Food Pantry Associate

POSITION: Food Pantry Associate

JOB CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

SUPERVISOR: Food Pantry Manager

PAY: $16.60

OBJECTIVE: Assist in the upkeep and maintenance of the Food Pantry, and provide a positive and welcoming experience for clients, donors, and volunteers. Support the overall success of LISTEN's food programs by helping coordinate food drives and learning Dining Hall operations to provide coverage as needed.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Pantry Operations

• Maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming pantry environment.
• Receive, sort, and shelve donations promptly.
• Rotate food stock and remove expired items according to food safety standards.
• Ensure pantry equipment and supplies are maintained and functioning properly.
• Pick up donations from various donor and partner sites as needed.

Dining Hall Support

• Learn and support Dining Hall operations to ensure service continuity when coverage is required.
• Collaborate with Dining Hall staff to maintain consistent service standards.

Coordinate Food Drives

• Organized and coordinate food drives to support the Food Pantry and Dining Hall.

Community Engagement

• Support community tabling events and outreach activities.

Client Support & Community Engagement

• Greet clients and provide a respectful, compassionate experience.
• Orient new clients to the pantry process and answer questions.
• Assist with order-taking and prepare food boxes/bags for distribution.

Donor Engagement

• Greet and thank food pantry donors.
• Provide donation slips
• Maintain records of donations and ensure records are accurate and up to date.

Volunteer Support

• Collaborate with Volunteer Services to promote volunteer opportunities and publicly recognize contributions.
• Oversee volunteers and assist them with daily tasks and ensure they have clear direction.
• Answer volunteer questions and foster a collaborative, positive work environment.
• Participate in volunteer and donor appreciation events and campaigns across various platforms, including digital media and radio.

Other Duties

• Participate in team meetings, staff trainings, and organization-wide events.
• Provide coverage when the Pantry Manager is away.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

• Experience working in a nonprofit or community service environment is a plus.
• A positive, compassionate attitude and a strong desire to help others.
• Flexibility, problem-solving skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, hands-on environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse populations in a respectful and inclusive way.
• Ability to train, support, and motivate both staff and volunteers.
• Conflict resolution and de-escalation skills to support a safe and welcoming environment for guests and volunteers.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc.)
• Experience with volunteer management software or scheduling tools is helpful.
• Commitment to LISTEN's mission and a passion for community-based service.
• Strong ethical standards, including confidentiality and professionalism.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 30 pounds.
• Willingness to work occasional evenings, weekends, or holidays
• Valid driver's license for local food pickups and community errands.