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.