Food Pantry Assistant

First Baptist Church South Hill•Chesapeake, VA

About The Position

The Food Pantry Assistant provides hands-on administrative and operational support to the Food Pantry Ministry Coordinator and Director. The Assistant helps receive, organize, prepare, and distribute food and related resources; supports volunteers; maintains accurate records; and welcomes individuals and families with dignity, compassion, and care consistent with the Christian mission of First Baptist Church South Hill. Work is performed in indoor pantry and storage spaces and occasionally outdoors during pickups and distributions. The role involves standing, walking, reaching, bending, stooping, and handling food cartons and supplies. It may require lifting or moving boxes weighing up to 40 pounds, with assistance or reasonable accommodation where appropriate. Schedule flexibility may be needed for distribution days or special events. The duties described are general and not all-inclusive; additional duties may be assigned as necessary.

Requirements

Commitment to supporting the mission and Christian service values of First Baptist Church South Hill.
Compassionate, respectful communication with people from diverse backgrounds and circumstances.
Dependability, integrity, discretion, and ability to work cooperatively with staff and volunteers.
Ability to follow instructions and established procedures, handle basic paperwork, and maintain accurate records.
Ability to learn applicable Foodbank requirements and basic food safety practices.
Ability to perform duties involving standing, walking, reaching, bending, stooping, and handling food cartons and supplies; may need to lift or move boxes weighing up to 40 pounds, with assistance or reasonable accommodation where appropriate.

Nice To Haves

Prior food pantry, customer service, warehouse, nonprofit, or volunteer experience is helpful but not required.
Basic digital recordkeeping skills preferred.
A valid driver’s license is required only if the position is assigned authorized vehicle-driving duties.

Responsibilities

Assist with scheduled food pickups and deliveries, unloading, sorting, storage, and preparation for distribution.
Stock pantry shelves and storage areas; rotate inventory by date and follow food-handling, sanitation, and storage procedures.
Assemble food bags, boxes, and other distributions according to ministry guidelines and documented household needs.
Monitor supplies, note damaged or expired products, and promptly report inventory shortages, safety concerns, or equipment issues to the Coordinator.
Help set up, operate, and clean distribution areas before and after pantry service.
Welcome pantry guests respectfully, explain distribution procedures, and provide assistance within approved ministry guidelines.
Maintain confidentiality of personal and household information obtained through pantry operations.
Assist with volunteer check-in, task assignments, orientation, and day-to-day guidance as directed by the Coordinator.
Communicate needs, scheduling changes, and service concerns promptly to the Coordinator.
Accurately record inventory movement, food distribution counts, and other required pantry activity.
Help prepare and organize supporting information for required Foodbank reports, including USDA, Retail Rescue, Partner Agency, vehicle inspection, and temperature records, as applicable; forward completed records for review and submission by authorized ministry leadership.
Help maintain required files and records in accordance with Foodbank and church retention procedures.
Complete assigned training, meetings, and surveys required by the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore or church leadership.
Observe food safety, safe lifting, cleanliness, emergency, and church property procedures; report concerns immediately.