Food Pantry Assistant

Position Summary

The Salvation Army Austin Corps is “doing the most good” by providing holistic, person-centered services to individuals and families in need. In addition to worship services and pastoral care, services include short and long-term case management; food, clothing, utility, rent, and housing support; and connections to community partners.

The Food Shelf Assistant supports food pantry operations by distributing food, managing inventory, handling donations, and maintaining cleanliness. The Assistant ensures accurate record-keeping, compliance with health standards, and proper storage of all donations while providing excellent customer service to participants.

Wage: $11.68 to $15.50 per hour, 20 hours a week

409 First Ave NE, Austin, MN 55912

Essential Functions (approximate time spent)

• Food Distribution (40%): Distribute food boxes to participants while maintaining a high level of customer service.
• Inventory Management (30%): Maintain up-to-date, accurate records of incoming and outgoing food and supplies for the pantry.
• Donation Handling (10%): Drive, load, and unload food and other in-kind donations. (10%)
• Pantry Maintenance (10%): Maintain the cleanliness of the pantry and ensure compliance with health department and food bank standards.
• Stocking and Storage (10%): Ensure food donations and related gifts-in-kind are processed, stored, stocked, and rotated appropriately.

Education and Experience

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Previous experience in food pantry or food service.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license, possess or be able to obtain, within 90 days, a DOT Medical Examiners Certificate, and meet MVR requirements.
• Pass background checks.

Competencies

• Knowledge of safe food handling.
• Flexible interpersonal and communication skills.
• High level of honor in dealing with confidential information.
• Works with integrity, valuing honesty and diligence.

Working Conditions

• Prolonged standing, walking, bending, stooping, turning, stretching, reaching, and lifting.
• Must be able to regularly move/lift 50 pounds.
• Business casual environment; not eligible for a remote-friendly work environment.
• Must be able to communicate clearly with colleagues, volunteers, and participants.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None.                                                                                                                                                             

Driving/Travel Requirements

Drive agency vehicles, including a box truck, locally to occasionally transport food and other in-kind donations.

Other Duties

All employees recognize that The Salvation Army is a church and agree to support its religious mission.

This job description is not all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions of the position.  A supervisor may assign other duties, responsibilities, and tasks.

Qualifications

The Salvation Army Mission

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its Mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Fair Chance Hire

The Salvation Army is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates who are back-to-work, US Veterans, people with disabilities, people who have been impacted by the justice system, and/or people without a college degree are encouraged to apply.