Food Pantry Assistant

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. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Pantry Operations & Food Distribution:

• 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 established 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.

Guest & Volunteer Support:

• Welcome pantry guests respectfully; help 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.

Documentation, Safety & Ministry Support:

• 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.

Qualifications & Core Competencies:

• 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.
• Prior food pantry, customer service, warehouse, nonprofit, or volunteer experience is helpful but not required.
• Ability to learn applicable Foodbank requirements and basic food safety practices; basic digital recordkeeping skills preferred.
• Valid driver’s license required only if the position is assigned authorized vehicle-driving duties.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements: Work is performed in indoor pantry/storage spaces and occasionally outdoors during pickups and distributions. Duties involve standing, walking, reaching, bending, stooping, and handling food cartons and supplies. The role 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, responsibilities, qualifications, and requirements outlined in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and scope of the position and are not all-inclusive. Additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned as necessary. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement First Baptist Church South Hill is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a workplace free from unlawful discrimination. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. As a faith-based organization, First Baptist Church South Hill reserves the right to consider religious beliefs and qualifications in employment decisions to the extent permitted by applicable law. QUALIFIED APPLICANTS MUST APPLY VIA FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH SOUTH HILL WEBSITE:
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