Food Pantry Assistant

Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty; New York (NY); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Pre-tax commuter benefits

403(b)

pro-rated vacation, sick leave andholi

Job summary

Shorefront Jewish Community Council (SJCC) seeks a part-time Food Pantry Assistant to support warehouse operations in Brighton Beach, NY. You will receive and organize food deliveries, manage inventory, and prepare pantry orders while guiding volunteers to complete tasks efficiently and safely.

This role emphasizes hands-on duties, attention to food safety, and strong teamwork with staff and volunteers. Experience in food pantries and basic computer use are preferred; Russian language skills are

Qualifications

• Experience in food pantry operations preferred.
• Experience coordinating or directing volunteers or team members preferred.
• Ability to learn digital inventory and ordering systems.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and inventory management practices preferred.
• Ability to perform physical tasks associated with food pantry warehouse operations.

Responsibilities

• Receive and unload food deliveries, direct volunteers, and organize inventory.
• Maintain an organized warehouse, stock shelves, rotate inventory, and monitor levels.
• Oversee volunteers stocking shelves and assisting with distribution.
• Prepare pantry orders for pickups and guests, including advance orders for following day.
• Ensure clean, safe warehouse spaces and proper food storage procedures.

Skills

Food pantry operations

Volunteer coordination

Inventory management

Basic computer skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Inventory software

Job description

Shorefront Jewish Community Council (SJCC) provides support to help meet the human and social services needs of the indigent elderly, vocationally disadvantaged poor, and immigrant populations of Brighton Beach and surrounding communities. Currently, SJCC’s main services consist of case assistance/management, operating a large food pantry, and immigration services, and a large portion of its clients are Russian-speaking older adults, including a large number of Holocaust survivors. SJCC also assists in coordinating development, civic affairs and economic revitalization in the area. SJCC additionally fosters neighborhood stabilization in order to serve the needs of the community at large. This is a temporary position and is currently funded through June 30th, 2026.

Position Summary:

The Food Pantry Assistant provides part-time operational support in the warehouse of SJCC's digital food pantry. Responsibilities include receiving and organizing food deliveries, maintaining inventory, preparing pantry orders, and ensuring a clean, safe, and organized workspace. The position also provides daily direction and oversight to warehouse volunteers, working alongside them to ensure tasks are completed accurately, efficiently, and in accordance with established procedures.

Food Deliveries and Inventory Management

Coordinate and assist with receiving and unloading food deliveries, including directing volunteers in moving, sorting, organizing, and properly storing food products.

Maintain an organized and efficient warehouse space, ensuring shelves are stocked, products are properly stored, and inventory is rotated in accordance with established procedures.

Oversee volunteers assisting with stocking shelves, organizing storage areas, and maintaining inventory.

Monitor inventory levels and promptly communicate shortages, discrepancies, damaged products, or other concerns to the supervisor.

Food Pantry Order Fulfillment

Oversee and assist volunteers with pulling, packing, and organizing food pantry orders for scheduled pickups and pantry guests who have checked in.

Ensure orders are prepared accurately and efficiently to minimize delays and support timely distribution.

Coordinate the preparation of advance orders to support efficient daily operations and readiness for the following day's distribution.

Oversee and assist with sorting, portioning, and repackaging produce and other bulk food items into appropriate distribution quantities.

Warehouse Organization, Food Safety, and Maintenance

Maintain clean, safe, and organized pantry storage, shelving, refrigeration, and food preparation areas throughout the workday.

Ensure compliance with established food safety procedures, including proper food storage, first-in, first-out (FIFO) inventory rotation, temperature monitoring, and required documentation.

Oversee and participate in routine cleaning activities, including wiping down surfaces, sweeping, mopping, breaking down cardboard, and removing garbage.

Ensure warehouse areas are properly organized, stocked, and cleaned at the end of each shift.

Promptly report equipment malfunctions, safety hazards, or maintenance concerns to the supervisor.

Volunteer Coordination and Daily Operations

Provide daily direction, guidance, and task assignments to volunteers supporting warehouse operations, ensuring their time is used productively and operational priorities are addressed.

Monitor volunteer activities to ensure assigned tasks are completed accurately, safely, and efficiently, providing guidance and assistance as needed.

Adjust volunteer assignments throughout the shift based on food deliveries, order fulfillment needs, inventory organization, and other operational priorities.

Foster a respectful, collaborative, and productive working environment for volunteers and staff.

General Operational Support

Prioritize responsibilities and manage time effectively to support efficient warehouse operations during scheduled working hours.

Communicate operational needs, challenges, and concerns to the supervisor in a timely and professional manner.

Follow established SJCC policies, procedures, and applicable food program requirements.

Perform additional warehouse and food pantry-related duties as assigned.

Strong organizational and time management skills.

Ability to direct and coordinate volunteers effectively.

Demonstrates initiative, accountability, and attention to detail.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Flexible, adaptable, and able to prioritize changing operational needs.

Comfortable using technology and digital pantry systems.

Skill and Education:

Prior experience in food pantry operations, food distribution, warehousing, or a related setting preferred.

Experience coordinating or directing volunteers or team members preferred.

Basic computer skills and ability to learn digital inventory and ordering systems.

Familiarity with food safety, sanitation, and inventory management practices preferred.

Ability to perform physical tasks associated with food pantry warehouse operations.

Russian-language fluency preferred, but not required.

Physical Demands:

• Required Constantly: Walking, sitting, grasping, bending, stooping, squatting, computer input, finger dexterity and coordination of hand, eye and foot.
• Required Frequently: Standing and climbing stairs; carrying food products (up to 50 lbs).
• Required Occasionally: Reaching above the shoulder, and lifting up to 50 pounds, pushing and pulling.

Compensation: $20 per hour

Benefits: Pre-tax commuter benefits; 403(b); plus pro-rated vacation, sick leave and holidays.