Food Pantry Coordinator

This position is part of JCS’s broader Food Security Programs team. As a member of that team, the Coordinator operates in close collaboration with colleagues and may be asked on occasion to provide cross-coverage or support to other Providence or Warwick food security site(s) when program needs require it.

Pantry Operations

• Order food and coordinate delivery or pickup from the RI Community Food Bank and various vendors.
• Arrange pickup of donated foods at collection sites, including temples and schools.
• Maintain pantry, storeroom, freezers, and refrigerators in compliance with Department of Health standards.
• Keep daily temperature logs for freezers and refrigerators.
• Organize food and dry storage areas using FIFO (first in, first out) principles.
• Track inventory and customer statistics using pantry software.
• Report statistics monthly to the RI Community Food Bank through their portal.
• Maintain and renew the Food Service license through the Department of Health.
• Follow all agency purchasing policies and procedures.

Homebound Client Services

• Take requests from homebound pantry recipients by phone prior to delivery day.
• Coordinate the packing and delivery of food to homebound clients.
• Follow up on client well-being concerns and make referrals as appropriate.

Volunteer Management

• Recruit, train, and schedule volunteers for pantry responsibilities, including food delivery and produce bagging.
• Supervise one part-time staff member and multiple volunteers during pantry operations.
• Provide day-to-day guidance and oversight to volunteers during service.

Administrative and Financial

• Participate in budget development and track all expenses to ensure budget compliance.
• Support grant writing efforts; maintain statistics and assist in completing outcome reports for grantors.
• Assist the JCS development team in supporting donor relationship-building and volunteer success.

Teamwork and Cross-Site Support

• Function as an active member of JCS’s Food Security Programs team, participating in team meetings and program development efforts.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the Food Security Programs department to share knowledge and maintain consistent service standards.
• Provide occasional support to the other food security sites when program needs require cross-coverage.

Education and Experience

• An associate or bachelor’s degree in social work, public health, human services, or a related field is preferred; an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered.
• Experience working with economically vulnerable populations, seniors, and volunteers preferred.
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn kosher certification symbols (hechshers).

Certifications and Licenses

• Food Safety Manager Certificate required at time of hire or to be obtained within 30 days.

Skills and Competencies

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs.
• Detail-oriented and highly organized.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

This is a physically demanding position. The Coordinator must be able to perform the following on a regular basis:

• Lift, carry, and move items weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Stand for extended periods of time during pantry operations and volunteer supervision.
• Bend, kneel, reach, and perform repetitive tasks associated with stocking shelves and packing food orders.
• Navigate storage areas, including reaching high shelves and working in walk-in cooler and freezer environments.
• Operate hand trucks, dollies, or similar equipment to move bulk food items safely.
• Maintain physical stamina across a full workday in a fast-paced, high-activity environment.

Salary : $21 - $23