Food Pantry Assistant

The Salvation Army North & Central Illinois Division; Williston (ND); On-site; USD 17,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army Williston Corps is seeking a Food Pantry Assistant to support daily pantry operations. You will receive, organize, store, and distribute food and donations, participate in pickup runs, and help train volunteers. The role emphasizes courteous, person-centered service to participants.

Pay is $15 per hour for 25 hours weekly. This site-based position requires a valid driver's license and background checks, with no remote work option.

Qualifications

• Experience in food service, pantry operations, warehouse, inventory, or customer service preferred.
• Must successfully complete required background checks.
• Valid driver's license and ability to meet MVR requirements.

Responsibilities

• Donation Pickups & Receiving (40%): drive to local partners to collect donations and assist with loading/unloading.
• Food Distribution & Participant Services (30%): prepare and distribute food boxes with courteous, person-centered service.
• Volunteer Training & Support (10%): orient and guide volunteers for pantry operations.
• Pantry Operations & Compliance (10%): keep pantry clean and compliant with health standards.
• Inventory & Recordkeeping (10%): maintain accurate inventory and distribution records.

Skills

Customer service

Food safety

Sanitation practices

Basic computer proficiency

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Position Summary

The Salvation Army Williston Corps provides holistic, person-centered services to individuals and families. Through worship services and pastoral care, alongside social services, the Corps supports the spiritual and practical needs of the community. Services include short- and long-term case management; food, clothing, utility, rent, and housing assistance; and connections to community resources.

Food Pantry Assistant

The Food Pantry Assistant supports daily food pantry operations by receiving, organizing, storing, and distributing food and other donated items. This position assists with donation pickups, inventory management, food safety and sanitation, and volunteer training while providing courteous, person-centered service to participants.

$15 per hour, 25 hours

15 Main St, Williston, ND 58801

Essential Functions (approximate Time Spent)

• Donation Pickups & Receiving (40%): Drive to local businesses and community partners to pick up food and other in-kind donations. Load, unload, transport, and assist with receiving donated items.
• Food Distribution & Participant Services (30%): Prepare and distribute food boxes and grocery items while providing courteous, respectful, and person-centered service to participants.
• Volunteer Training & Support (10%): Assist with training, orienting, and providing day-to-day direction to volunteers to support efficient food pantry operations.
• Food Pantry Operations & Compliance (10%): Maintain the organization, cleanliness, and safety of the food pantry while ensuring compliance with applicable health department, food bank, and Salvation Army standards.
• Inventory, Donation Processing & Recordkeeping (10%): Receive, inspect, sort, store, and rotate donated food and supplies while maintaining accurate inventory and distribution records.

Education And Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Previous experience in food service, food pantry operations, warehouse, inventory, customer service, or a related environment preferred.
• Must successfully complete all required background checks.
• Valid driver's license and ability to meet The Salvation Army's Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) requirements required.

Competencies

• Knowledge of safe food handling and sanitation practices.
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Basic computer proficiency.

Working Conditions

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, and lifting.
• Must be able to lift and move up to 50 pounds regularly.
• Exposure to varying temperatures during food storage and donation pickups.
• This position is 100% site-based and is not eligible for remote or hybrid work.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• No formal supervisory responsibilities; however, this position provides day-to-day guidance and training to volunteers.

Driving Travel Requirements

• Regular local driving to pick up and transport good and other in-kind donations using an agency vehicle.

Other Duties

• All employees recognize that The Salvation Army is a church and agree to support its mission.
• This job description is not all-inclusive and is intended to outline essential functions. The supervisor may assign additional duties, responsibilities, and tasks as needed.