We're Hiring: Pantry Programs Assistant

Published on February 28, 2025
Job Title: Pantry Programs Assistant
Reports To: Pantry Programs Manager and Pantry Programs Coordinator
Supervises: Volunteers and (upon request) Pantry Interns, AmeriCorps Members
Job Status/Salary: $19.00/hour, Non-exempt, 25 hours per week, specific schedule TBD.
 
Beyond Hunger is harnessing the power of communities to end hunger. An award-winning direct service agency, we serve residents of 13 zip codes on the West Side of Chicago and surrounding suburbs. Last year we provided critical food assistance and programming to over 65,000 individuals. Our energetic and fulfilling work environment is resourced by an operating budget of over $5 million, 18 full-time staff members, 5 part-time staff, 1 full-time VISTA member, over 1300 active volunteers—and possibly you.
 
We are seeking someone as passionate as we are about ending hunger. Someone who understands that maintaining inventory quality helps us provide the best foods to our community. This position is for you if you are a mission-driven team player with attention to detail, exceptional time management skills, an excellent driving record with knowledge of operating a non-CDL commercial van and enjoys being physically active on the job. This is your opportunity to play a vital role in creating a hunger-free community.
 
Job Summary: The Pantry Programs Assistant's focus is supporting the Food Pantry operations, which currently include food rescues, Despensa pop-up pantry, and on-site food distributions on Wednesdays and Saturdays. In this role, you will be constantly on the move—sourcing, unloading, packing, and distributing food. You will strive to maintain a welcoming and safe environment for clients and volunteers while ensuring a fair and equitable environment. Central to the role is dedication to our core values of Respect, Equity, Community and Accountability through disciplined and compassionate application of all agency and federal policies.
 
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Work with Pantry Programs Manager, Pantry Programs Coordinator and Pantry staff to determine daily needs and implement best practices.
  • Ensure adherence to all USDA and agency policies and requirements.
  • Maintain a welcoming and safe environment for clients, volunteers, and staff by modeling respectful communication in all situations.
  • Assure daily operational needs are communicated effectively to volunteers. Train volunteers as needed for deliveries, rescues, and donations.
  • Assure working condition of all Food Pantry equipment such as dollies, totes, crates, signature devices, and other Beyond Hunger technology.
  • Communicate routinely with supervisor and other staff to receive updates on procedures and to report on distribution and food procurement outcomes.
  • Ensure food is handled with care when loading and unloading to prevent damage.
  • Assume additional responsibilities as necessary or assigned.

Despensa/Specialty Foods Assistant:

  • Procurement and document food for the program.
  • Design menus with culturally responsible foods, create/maintain distribution flows.
  • Supervise volunteers during Despensa shifts.
  • Seek and maintain partnerships with local vendors, farms, community leaders, congregations, and other agencies to ensure the sustainability of the program.
  • Work with Pantry Programs Manager to assess program needs and report back any issues.

Pantry Assistance and Food Tracking Coordination:

  • Assist with daily pantry operations, pick-up of food rescues and in-kind donations from various grocery stores and businesses in the surrounding neighborhoods as needed.
  • Input food rescues, GCFD food rescues, and donations into tracking document(s).
  • Work with Pantry Programs Coordinator to assess pantry programs needs and report back any issues with food rescues.

Van Maintenance

  • Report and document any maintenance issues to the manager immediately, responsible for gas maintenance during shift.
  • Operate the company vehicle according to all local, state, and federal regulations.

Qualifications

  • High School diploma or GED equivalent.
  • Bi-lingual (English/Conversational Spanish).
  • Have a valid driver's license for at least 3 consecutive years with an excellent record.
  • Experience operating a non-CDL commercial van.
  • Food sanitation licensure or ability to achieve once hired (Beyond Hunger will pay fees).
  • Must be able to lift more than 50 pounds.
  • Ability to perform all duties associated with a physically strenuous position.
  • Ability to stay calm, communicate effectively, and resolve issues during shifts.
  • Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to work with and encourage interaction between people of all ages and abilities.
  • Knowledge of Oak Park, Berwyn, and Chicago's Austin neighborhood highly preferred.
  • Residents living in Beyond Hunger's service area are encouraged to apply.

Environment

Multi-level workspace not fully accessible to the mobility impaired. You must be physically capable of walking up and down stairs, able to lift 50 pounds, and be on your feet throughout your workday. Position includes weekday, Saturday and/or Wednesday evening shifts. The schedule will be a flex 3 to 4-day work week, and will be adjusted to reflect working on Saturday and/or Wednesday evenings.

 

Workplace is a smoke- and drug-free environment. Equal opportunity employer.

 

How to apply: Send cover letter and resume to Monnette@GoBeyondHunger.org by March 21st.