Food Pantry Assistant

Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Boston; Lowell (MA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A non-profit organization in Lowell seeks a Food Pantry Assistant to manage food inventory, support daily operations, and interact with clients. The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma, a valid Massachusetts driver’s license, and the ability to lift 65 pounds. Proficiency in additional languages is a plus. This full-time position requires occasional evening and weekend hours, offering an engaging work environment focused on community service.

Qualifications

• Valid Massachusetts driver's license with 5+ years of driving experience.
• Ability to lift 65 pounds without assistive devices.
• Basic computer and email experience required.
• Proficiency in additional languages preferred.
• Proficiency in additional languages preferred.
• Discretion handling confidential information; basic computer and email experience.
• Able to lift 65 pounds and operate pallet jack, forklift, power jack, and loading lift.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills; attention to detail.
• Occasional weekend or evening hours available.

Responsibilities

• Oversee food inventory and manage distribution logistics.
• Assist Food Pantry Coordinator and handle operations in their absence.
• Ensure health and safety standards are met.
• Communicate effectively with clients and stakeholders.
• Meet clients to register them for services.
• Ensure health and safety compliance and a tidy workspace.
• Assist coordinator in absence of the coordinator.
• Perform lifting and restocking tasks; travel to other sites for donations.
• Attend required meetings and trainings; local travel as needed.

Skills

Communication

Problem-solving

Discretion

Attention to detail

Physical stamina

Customer service

Teamwork

Flexibility

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

ServSafe certification

Tools

Manual pallet jack

Forklift

Electric power jack

Job description

The Catholic Charities Food Pantry Network serves the food insecure at four locations throughout Greater Boston and provides additional services to external partner organizations. The Food Pantry Assistant oversees smaller pantry operations and/or supports the Food Pantry Coordinator at a larger pantry. The Food Pantry Assistant provides logistical support to the daily food distribution center operations of the Food Pantry, including, but not limited to, logistics of the distribution, stocking and restocking of the food items, checking for expiration dates, sorting food items, and tracking inventory. The Assistant also performs other duties as needed, including picking up the food from other local centers, driving the truck, supporting volunteers, and compassionately rendering distribution of food items to the clients in our distribution centers, while maintaining personal and professional boundaries.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Oversees on‑hand, incoming, and outgoing food inventory, ordering, donations, and transport preparation. Transporting food via van or truck, as necessary.
• Demonstrates strong professional skills and integrity, including in stressful and/or emergency situations; implements organizational and food pantry policies and procedures per the Food Pantry Coordinator and/or Director of Food Pantries; is proactive and enthusiastic. Demonstrates sensitivity to the needs of individuals and families experiencing financial hardships, mental illness, trauma, and from varied cultural backgrounds.
• Works well independently and as part of a team. Supports other pantries as needed, including traveling to other sites, participating in the physical demands of the role, and flexibly accommodating pantry or volunteer group needs (occasionally).
• Communicates sensitively and effectively with the clients, the public, colleagues, collaborators, volunteers, and other stakeholders verbally, or via email, texting, or other means as required. Maintains professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Meets with clients to check in or register them for the Food Pantry services.
• Provides food service outreach information and responds to client needs in a calm and sensitive manner.
• Ensures that the operation of the food pantry, its equipment, facilities, and staff/volunteers meet all health and safety requirements and maintains a tidy and organized environment.
• Assists Food Pantry Coordinator as needed and assume responsibilities in the coordinator’s absence.
• Performs work primarily in a food pantry performing physical tasks such as lifting and reaching, with occasional work in an office setting. Works in the community to obtain food donations.
• Attends and participates in required internal and external meetings and trainings.
• Local travel as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A high school diploma or equivalent vocational/technical training or HiSet Certificate
• Valid Massachusetts driver’s license with five+ years of driving experience. Demonstrates a safe driving record and provides updates as needed. Previous experience driving a 26' truck or larger desired. A CDL is NOT required. Must be comfortable driving on highways and interstates.
• Ability to remain on feet for extended periods during food pantry distribution times and restocking times.
• ServSafe certification is preferred or be willing to be trained in food safety for food handlers.
• Proficiency in additional languages preferred
• Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information. Basic computer and email experience with the willingness and ability to learn internal software systems for scheduling and inventory.
• Ability to bend, reach and lift 65 pounds without the use of an assistive device. Ability to safely operate a manual pallet jack, forklift, electric power jack, and loading lift.
• Strong communication and problem‑solving skills and excellent attention to detail.
• Availability for occasional weekend or evening hours.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The base pay range reflects what Catholic Charities reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for this role at the time of posting and may be modified from time to time. Actual compensation in this range may be determined based on other factors, including but not limited to work experience, education and specialty training.

Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:15 AM‑3:15 PM with occasional evenings and weekends, 37.5 hours per week, 7.5 hours per day with a 30‑minute unpaid meal break.

Visit us at: www.ccab.org.