Pantry Worker

Job Description:  To operate and maintain the food pantry, and provide crisis assistance with grocery items to those in need.  Keep supplies on hand, prepare orders, keep records, distribute food, recruit and oversee volunteers.  This position is for 20 hours/ week.  

Job Duties:  

• Prepare daily food orders for distribution.


• Answer phone regarding food pantry issues.


• Be on hand when food arrives and check all items for usability, and stock shelves.


• Carry in food, as help is required.


• Keep daily records i.e. volunteer and daily disbursement sheets.


• Pick up food from donors, Food Bank, or from stores as necessary.


• Maintained and ordered supplies.


• Maintain pantry by utilizing a regular cleaning schedule.


• Take out pantry garbage.


• Maintain pantry equipment and alert supervisor for maintenance immediately.


• Actively communicate with the supervisor regarding shortages, special needs, etc.


• Treat clients with respect, dignity, and firmness concerning the pantry rules.


• Maintain regular communication with regular donors i.e. church secretaries.


• Contact donors as needed to keep pantry supplies by calling on schools, and assisting supervisor with development of new donors.


• Recruit, provide orientation, schedule, and assist volunteers.


• Assist supervisor with media opportunities, speaking opportunities, public meetings, and community networking.

Reports To:  Food Pantry Supervisor or Area Director Designee            

Minimum Qualifications: 

• High school / General education diploma.


• Need A Valid Driver's License


• Ability to accept instructions and apply them logically and responsibly and to make productive use of unsupervised time.


• Sensitivity and respect for populations of individuals who may be considered marginalized regarding their socioeconomic, emotional, physical, and spiritual backgrounds and the ability to work within a team concept and the philosophy of the agency mission.


• Must be able to lift 30 lbs.

Who We Are: 

Catholic Charities is proud of its 100 year history of providing vital social services in our Diocese. As the official social service are of the Catholic Church, we maintain a substantial presence in ten communities throughout our twenty-eight counties of central Illinois. Area Offices operate in the communities of Alton, Carlinville, Decatur, Effingham, Granite City, Mattoon, Quincy, and Springfield. In addition, Catholic Charities manages facilities in Alton (Catholic Children's Home) and Beardstown (The St. Anne Residence). The agency has earned national reaccreditation through COA, the Council on Accreditation for Children and Family Services, which certifies that all programs meet best practice social service standards. 

Our vast array of "Continuum of Care" services include Professional Counseling Solutions, senior services and guardianship, health care, residential care, independent living, special education, Intact Family Services, food and clothing distribution, St. John's Breadline, Meals on Wheels in Decatur, the Crisis Assistance program, MedAssist, Mobile Food Pantry, Catholic Charities Legal Services, The St. Anne Residence and discount resale stores. Catholic Charities seeks to respond to the needs of its communities through these diverse programs. Every year, this objective is realized as literally thousands of children and families are positively impacted by our efforts.

Although being a member of the Catholic faith is not a requirement to be employed by Catholic Charities, it is expected and required of all employees to acknowledge and respect the right of Catholic Charities to develop policies, manage programs and administer benefits in accordance with the Teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.