Food Pantry Clerk

Position Purpose: The food pantry clerk is responsible for supporting the operations of the food pantry by assisting with inventory management, distribution of food items, and providing assistance to clients. This position requires excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and a compassionate demeanor to effectively serve individuals and families in need.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Provide friendly and courteous assistance to clients visiting the food pantry, including answering questions, providing information about Public Benefits, Work Services and other available resources.
• Assist in the distribution of food items to clients according to established procedures and guidelines. Ensure that clients receive the appropriate quantity and variety of food based on their household size and dietary needs.
• Maintain accurate records of food inventory levels, including receiving, organizing, and storing incoming donations.
• Work collaboratively with volunteers to ensure efficient operation of the food pantry. Provide guidance to volunteers assisting with tasks such as food sorting, packing, and distribution.
• Prepare distribution areas for each food pantry location such as setting up tables, canopy, etc.
• Unload groceries and produce as necessary.
• Maintain the food pantry area and storages clean, organized, and sanitary at all times. Assist with regular cleaning tasks, such as sweeping, mopping, and sanitizing surfaces, to ensure a safe and hygienic environment for clients and volunteers.
• Record temperatures of all fridge/freezer units with correct sheet corresponding the fridge numbers.
• Assist in promoting the food pantry's services within the community through outreach activities, such as distributing flyers, participating in community events, and collaborating with local organizations to raise awareness of available resources.
• Assist with inventory logs of all food and donations received.
• Clean and maintain the food pantry. (i.e. cutting down boxes, disinfect, wipe down)
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• One year experience working in food services or meal preparation in residential facility, cafeteria, or commercial food establishment.
• Current knowledge of food safety and storage, sanitation practices, preparation, and menu planning.
• This position also requires mandatory attendance on the day before, day of and day after holidays.
• Must possess a valid and current CA Driver's License and able to drive to different JWCH work sites.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, multicultural environment.
• Basic computer skills for data entry and record keeping.
• Compassionate attitude and willingness to serve individuals and families facing food insecurity with dignity and respect.

Preferred:

• High School diploma or GED.
• Experience in nonprofit setting.
• California Department of Health Food Safety Card.

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements: This is primarily an office position that requires only occasional bending, reaching, stooping, lifting and moving of food pantry and office materials weighing 50 pounds or less. The position requires daily use of a personal computer and requires entering, viewing, and revising text and graphics on the computer terminal and on paper.