Pantry Supervisor (AmeriCorps)

Reports to: Nutrition Programs Coordinator

Job Summary

Food insecurity and poor nutrition go hand in hand. For those struggling with hunger, food choices are often prioritized based on an item’s cost, not its nutritional value.  Thus, those who suffer from food insecurity are less likely to eat fruits and vegetables, less likely to get the calcium and protein they need, and more likely to have diets high in sugar and fat. In providing emergency hunger relief, Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry aims to deliver the very items our clients need most:  nutrient-dense and protein-rich foods.  The Pantry Supervisor is critical to the success of that goal by enlisting and managing community involvement in the procurement of these foods— including but not limited to retail vendors, congregations, civic groups, volunteers, and individual gardeners. The Pantry Supervisor assists with program assessment by tracking the amount and nutritional content of food procured.  To enhance consistent client access to nutritious food, the Pantry Supervisor manages the volunteers who conduct food rescues, drives, deliveries, and distributions. By combining outreach and volunteer management, the Pantry Supervisor helps volunteers be a part of the outreach process, thus further integrating volunteers into the service model.

Job Responsibilities

Product/Resource Coordination:

• Assist with identifying new food rescue opportunities focused on nutrient-dense or protein-rich foods (working with local vendors to obtain usable products that would normally be discarded)
• Manage all arrangements with vendors and volunteers for conducting the rescues
• Troubleshoot problems with food rescues and work to create mutually acceptable and beneficial solutions
• Order fresh produce, frozen meat, and non-perishable food for at least 500 families on a weekly basis, while adhering to budget
• Manage the input and output of inventory for each food distribution, following FIFO
• Help plan outreach and recruitment strategies for community gardeners to grow food for the Pantry
• Research uses for new or unusual products in partnership with dietician
• Organize and track inventory to understand best use of space
• Coordinate logistics for all food drives, compost and cardboard recycling, and storage needs for perishable rescued foods

Volunteer Management:

• Train and oversee volunteers to collect, sort, package, and display food for distribution to clients
• Work with Volunteer Coordinator to recruit and train volunteers to assist with outreach efforts to gardeners and groups
• Determine needs and supervise volunteers for food drive, food rescue, delivery and waste management (compost/cardboard)
• Assist with Summer Meals as needed

General Responsibilities:

• Assist with physical set up for each food distribution
• Manage distribution by supervising and coordinating volunteers, as well as providing clients with friendly customer service
• Manage food procurement documentation
• Maintain a sanitary work environment in preparation for visits from health inspectors
• Attend training and community meetings as approved by supervisor
• Maintain flexibility with time, tasks, and priorities
• Pursue a program of professional self-development including selected readings, seminars, and workshops
• Assume additional responsibilities as necessary or as assigned by supervisor to accomplish the purpose and goals of the Pantry including orientation and cross-training in other Distribution activities

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• High School Diploma with 2 years’ relevant experience minimum. College Degree and related experience in nutrition preferred
• Food sanitation licensure preferred (or willingness and ability to achieve it once hired—fees paid by the Pantry)
• Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Must be a team-player and detail-oriented
• Ability to work under pressure and with a wide variety of people
• Bi-lingual skills (English/Spanish) are a plus

Hours of Work

Full-time AmeriCorps Member; 1700 hours to be completed within contracted timeframe.  Routine schedule is Monday through Friday but must be willing to work occasional evening or weekend hours. 

Environment:

Multi-level work area: administrative offices/work space not fully accessible to the mobility impaired.  Must be physically capable of walking up and down stairs and be able to lift 40 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Workplace is a smoke- and drug-free environment.  Equal opportunity employer.

Benefits:

• Living Allowance: $12,530 to be distributed in equal allotments every two weeks within the contract term.
• Education Award: Upon successful completion of the member's term of service, the member will receive an education award from the National Service Trust in the amount of $5,730.
• Health care insurance for the AmeriCorps member
• Child care assistance if applicable.

To Apply

please apply directly at the AmeriCorps portal. When searching for this job on the AmeriCorps portal, to please put the following:

Program Type: AmeriCorps State/National
State: IL
Program Name: Housing Forward