Food Pantry Assistant

Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty•Brooklyn, NY

About The Position

The Food Pantry Assistant provides part-time operational support in the warehouse of Shorefront Jewish Community Council’s digital food pantry. The role supports receiving and organizing food deliveries, maintaining inventory, preparing pantry orders, and keeping the workspace clean, safe, and organized. It also provides daily direction and oversight to warehouse volunteers, working alongside them to complete tasks accurately, efficiently, and according to established procedures. Shorefront Jewish Community Council (SJCC) supports the human and social services needs of indigent older adults, vocationally disadvantaged people, and immigrant populations in Brighton Beach and surrounding communities. Its services include case assistance and management, food pantry operations, and immigration services. SJCC also supports neighborhood development, civic affairs, economic revitalization, and community stabilization. This is a temporary, part-time position currently funded through June 30, 2026.

Requirements

Strong organizational and time management skills.
Ability to direct and coordinate volunteers effectively.
Initiative, accountability, and attention to detail.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Flexibility and adaptability, with the ability to prioritize changing operational needs.
Comfort using technology and digital pantry systems.
Basic computer skills and ability to learn digital inventory and ordering systems.
Ability to perform physical tasks associated with food pantry warehouse operations.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in food pantry operations, food distribution, warehousing, or a related setting.
Experience coordinating or directing volunteers or team members.
Familiarity with food safety, sanitation, and inventory management practices.
Russian-language fluency.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and assist with receiving and unloading food deliveries, including directing volunteers to move, sort, organize, and store food products properly.
Maintain an organized warehouse, stock shelves, store products properly, and rotate inventory according to established procedures.
Oversee volunteers stocking shelves, organizing storage areas, and maintaining inventory.
Monitor inventory and promptly report shortages, discrepancies, damaged products, or other concerns to the supervisor.
Oversee and assist volunteers with pulling, packing, and organizing orders for scheduled pickups and checked-in pantry guests.
Ensure orders are prepared accurately and efficiently to support timely distribution.
Coordinate advance order preparation to support 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 distribution quantities.
Maintain clean, safe, and organized pantry storage, shelving, refrigeration, and food preparation areas.
Follow food safety procedures, including proper storage, FIFO inventory rotation, temperature monitoring, and required documentation.
Oversee and participate in routine cleaning, including wiping surfaces, sweeping, mopping, breaking down cardboard, and removing garbage.
Ensure warehouse areas are organized, stocked, and cleaned at the end of each shift.
Promptly report equipment malfunctions, safety hazards, and maintenance concerns to the supervisor.
Provide volunteers with daily direction, guidance, and task assignments, ensuring operational priorities are addressed.
Monitor volunteer activities and provide guidance or assistance to help ensure tasks are completed accurately, safely, and efficiently.
Adjust volunteer assignments during the shift based on deliveries, order fulfillment, inventory organization, and other priorities.
Foster a respectful, collaborative, and productive working environment for volunteers and staff.
Prioritize responsibilities and manage time effectively during scheduled working hours.
Communicate operational needs, challenges, and concerns to the supervisor in a timely and professional manner.
Follow SJCC policies, procedures, and applicable food program requirements.
Perform additional warehouse and food pantry-related duties as assigned.