Food Security Assistant

Jewish Collaborative Services; Providence (RI); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Jewish Collaborative Services in Providence, RI seeks an Assistant Food Service Coordinator to support daily operations of the food pantry and meal site, ensuring respectful, dignified service and smooth food distribution.

You will assist with inventory, meal planning and preparation, volunteer engagement, and adherence to health and safety standards, while helping deliver meals and connect clients with community resources.

Qualifications

• Associates degree required.
• Minimum 1 year of experience in food service or pantry operations.
• Experience with older adults or diverse communities preferred.
• ServSafe or similar food safety certification preferred (or willing to obtain within 60 days).

Responsibilities

• Assist with organizing and distributing food to individuals and families in need in a respectful and efficient manner.
• Support inventory tracking, labeling, shelving, and FIFO food rotation to ensure safe storage, usage, and inventory best practices.
• Receive deliveries, help unload and organize inventory, and track donations.
• Assist with packing pantry bags and orders, including those for homebound shoppers.
• Assist with preparing and serving nutritious meals in a timely and welcoming manner.
• Help plan meals under the direction of the Food Service Coordinator, considering dietary needs and cultural relevance.
• Set up and break down meal services areas to include a welcoming dining experience, sanitation, and support cleanup after each meal service.
• Orient new volunteers with tasks, food safety protocols, and expectations; assist with communication and scheduling for volunteer shifts.
• Follow and model proper food handling and hygiene procedures; assist with temperature logs, cleaning schedules, and sanitation practices.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Customer service

Reliability

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Microsoft 365

Education

Associate degree

Tools

Microsoft 365

Job description

The Assistant Food Service Coordinator provides day-to-day support to the Food Service Coordinator in managing the operations of the food pantry and meal site. This role helps ensure smooth food distribution, maintains inventory, assists with meal planning and preparation, and supports volunteers and community engagement efforts. The Assistant Food Service Coordinator plays a vital role in helping provide a positive, respectful, and dignified experience for all community members served by JCS.Key ResponsibilitiesFood Pantry & Inventory SupportAssist with organizing and distributing food to individuals and families in need in a respectful and efficient manner.Support inventory tracking, labeling, shelving, and FIFO food rotation to ensure safe storage, usage, and inventory best practices.Receive deliveries, help unload and organize inventory, and track donations.Report any low-stock items or storage concerns to the Food Service Coordinator.Assist with packing pantry bags and orders, including those for homebound shoppers.Meal Site SupportAssist with preparing and serving nutritious meals in a timely and welcoming manner.Help plan meals under the direction of the Food Security Coordinator/Kosher Nutrition Coordinator, considering dietary needs and cultural relevance.Ensure meals are delivered with respect, warmth, and professionalism.Set up and break down meal services areas to include a welcoming dining experience, sanitation, and supports cleanup after each meal service.Volunteer EngagementHelp orient new volunteers with tasks, food safety protocols, and expectations.Model teamwork, empathy, and efficiency in working alongside volunteers.Assist with communication and scheduling for volunteer shifts, as needed.Health & Safety ComplianceFollow and model proper food handling and hygiene procedures at all times.Assists with temperature logs, cleaning schedules, and sanitation practices in the pantry and kitchen areas.Ensure workspaces are clean, organized, and safe for staff and volunteers.Report any food safety or cleanliness issues to the Food Security Coordinator promptly.Supports readiness for inspections and adherence to the Department of Health standards.Client & Community EngagementProvide welcoming, respectful, and nonjudgmental service to all pantry and meal site guests.Respond to client questions and help direct them to additional community resources.Help support outreach efforts and special events (e.g., holiday meals, seasonal distributions).Administrative TasksAssist with daily and weekly logs, including inventory records, service reports, and client sign-ins.Support communication with vendors, donors, and partners, as requested.Help coordinate donation of acknowledgements or reports as needed.Support special events such as holiday meals or distribution days.Participate in team meetings and provide cross-site support as needed (Meals on wheels, pantry shopping, etc.)Education:Associates degree required.Experience:Minimum of 1 year of experience in food service, pantry operations, or a related role.Prior experience working with older adults or diverse communities is preferred.Certification:ServSafe or similar food safety certification preferred (or willing to obtain within 60 days of hire).Skills:Strong interpersonal, teamwork, and customer service skills.Reliable and organized with a positive attitude.Comfortable taking directions and working independently.Ability to follow procedures and maintain attention to detail.Basic experience with Microsoft 365 Suite.Physical Requirements:Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and perform physical tasks such as bending, reaching, and standing for extended periods.Comfortable working in refrigeration/freezers and busy service areas.Ability to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive tasks.Working ConditionsSchedule: Full-time, generally Monday–Friday, with some evening or weekend shifts based on need.Environment: Includes working in kitchen, pantry, and meal site environments, and directly engage with residents, shoppers, volunteers, and community members.Job Description Acknowledgement:I have read the above job description and duties listed. I agree to accept the position as listed and other job-related duties as assigned. I can perform the essential functions as outlined, with or without reasonable accommodation. I will support the policies of the organization and fulfill the position responsibilities.