We're Hiring: Capacity Building VISTA - Pantry Programs Coordinator

Published on May 4, 2026

VISTA Title: Capacity Building VISTA - Pantry Programs Coordinator

Reporting Manager: Monnette Bariel (Monnette@gobeyondhunger.org)

Primary Office Location: 848 Lake St., Oak Park, IL 60301

Secondary Office Location: 5317 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60651

Length of service: 8/11/2026 - 8/10/2027

Full-time, schedule TBD

Learn more at https://www.americorps.gov/serve/americorps/americorps-vista/americorps-vista-resource-hub

Become an AmeriCorps VISTA Capacity Building member with Beyond Hunger!

In partnership with Hunger Free America and AmeriCorps, these VISTA roles focus on building capacity to further our mission. The AmeriCorps VISTA program is a year-long, full-time role with an educational award benefit. Please send your resume and cover letter to Monnette Bariel, Pantry Programs Manager, Monnette@gobeyondhunger.org. Deadline to apply is Friday, May 15th.

Project Description:

The Capacity Building Coordinator, Beyond Hunger Pantry Programs AmeriCorps VISTA, will build capacity by creating an internal inventory system, developing MOU protocols, and the Volunteer Leads program.

Project Goals:

Train 20 Volunteer Leads to facilitate key volunteer shifts for the Pantry Programs. This will enable collaboration with community members and deepen engagement and understanding within the volunteer base.
Develop an integrated inventory system within the Pantry Easy application for all food distribution models.
Evaluate and develop a systemized procedure and tracking system for MOUs and contracts with outside vendors.

Develop and implement an integrated inventory system within the Pantry Easy application for all 4 food distribution models (Community Market, online ordering, Drive Thru, and specialty diet menus).

Member Activities:

Create a guide for the Online Market, program summary, FAQs, and enrollment procedure for clients.
Research Pantry Easy inventory capabilities and develop a step-by-step SOP for staff and Volunteer Leads to manage all inventory.
Develop a Volunteer Lead training guide/SOP for all Volunteer Lead shifts to include QR code station checklists and online training modules.
Implement the training modules and step-by-step protocols for a minimum of 20 Volunteer Leads. Provide monthly training sessions to build the capacity in the Volunteer Lead program.

Research Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) standards for Food Pantries. Create a databank of all current MOUs with current Food Pantry partners (Beyond Hunger food rescues, Surplus Project, and CBO partners).

Member Activities:

Research industry standards that model Beyond Hunger's mission and principles. Create a standard MOU for all food programs at Beyond Hunger.
Create a databank for all MOUs and update any that are not current or within established standards. Contact vendors and partner organizations to update MOUs.
Digitize all vendor MOUs and create accounts within the Salesforce platform.
Research new Rescue partnerships with local BIPOC vendors within 50-mile radius that align with our mission and goals.

Create high-level education and advocacy events for our volunteers by creating materials for the volunteer monthly newsletter, quarterly community conversations, and the volunteer bulletin board. The Pantry Programs Manager will provide monthly topics for the VISTA to research for the Volunteer Newsletter and monthly Volunteer bulletin board talking points.

Member Activities:

Research food insecurity topics each month and create materials for volunteers to attend community events.
Create and provide literature on food access topics and underserved communities. Develop a Community Conversation Coffee series for volunteers.
Develop and implement a volunteer feedback loop for program managers to build an understanding of the client and volunteer experience.

Deadline to apply is Friday, May 15th. Please send your resume and cover letter to Monnette Bariel, Pantry Programs Manager (Monnette@gobeyondhunger.org).