Organization Overview

Nourishing Hope, formerly known as Lakeview Pantry, is a dynamic Chicago nonprofit providing food and social services for anyone in need. Founded in 1970, we’re one of the largest and longest operating hunger relief organizations in Chicago. We also provide free, trauma-informed mental health counseling and other social services, such as job and housing assistance. We strive to serve the needs of the whole person — with respect and dignity, always.

Nourishing Hope offers our neighbors nutritious food using a choice-based distribution model and access to life-changing social services including:

• Monthly food distribution and additional produce pickup through five different food access programs;
• Home delivery services for older adults, homebound neighbors and neighbors living with disabilities;
• Social services including case management, mental health counseling, job search support, domestic violence intervention, referrals and public benefits assistance (SNAP, healthcare, government forms) for anyone in need.

Nourishing Hope serves tens of thousands of people each year, providing more than 4 million meals through our programs, in addition to partnerships with other community organizations. This year, more than 7,000 low-income neighbors will also receive case management and social services.

Position Summary:

The Pantry Coordinator oversees and ensures a fair and organized system for food distribution while serving as a liaison for all pantry clients. This position supervises all aspects of procurement, storage and distribution of goods. 

Hours and Location: 

This is a full-time position with the following schedule: Mondays and Wednesdays, 9:00am to 5:00pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12:00pm to 8:00pm, and Saturdays 8:30am-4:30pm. The Pantry Coordinator primarily works out of our Sheridan Market, (3945 N. Sheridan Rd.) but will be cross-trained to work when necessary at our other food programs.

Essential Job Functions:

• Within a culture of great respect for our clients, distribute food according to pantry, state, and federal guidelines.
• Act as the frontline point of contact for clients, providing assistance, guidance, and support as needed.
• Manage client expectations regarding wait times, service availability, and any other pertinent information, ensuring transparency and clarity.
• Collect and store food according to pantry, state, and federal guidelines.
• In partnership with the food acquisition team, manage ongoing food donor relationships. 
• Manage inventory and relationships with The Greater Chicago Food Depository, U.S.D.A., F.E.M.A and other partners.
• Maintain pantry site sanitation that meets or exceeds government and monitoring agencies’ standards.
• Train and supervise volunteers to assist with food distribution.
• Produce necessary reports required by supervisor, donors, and government agencies.
• Create and track benchmarks of the program’s success, and make recommendations for improvement.
• Act as an ambassador for the mission of Nourishing Hope to the larger community.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma/GED or equivalent work experience. 
• 2-5 years of experience in social services, grocery, retail or warehouse setting.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds regularly and push/pull up to 100 pounds using manual carts and dollies.
• Valid driver’s license, clean driving record and ability to drive a van is required.
• Conversational Spanish or Russian preferred.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workplace.
• Ability to use and maintain the Salesforce client database.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills. 
• Familiarity with issues that are common among the population served including, but not limited to, homelessness, mental illness, substance abuse, mental and physical disability, and the elderly.
• Ability to obtain and maintain food service sanitation certification in accordance with municipal and state laws.
• Ability to handle an occasional volatile situation calmly, professionally and respectfully. Experience in Non-violent Crisis Intervention techniques is preferred.
• Proven ability to work independently and as a member of a team.

Background Check:

Because we are a Medicaid provider all applicants who are offered employment with Nourishing Hope will be subject to a background screening. Offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of a background screening conducted in accordance with Nourishing Hope policy and federal, state and local law.