Food Pantry Shopping Assistant

Do you have a passion for helping those in our community access healthy foods? Join MCC as a Food Pantry Shopping Assistant to ensure that those in need can access food in a warm and positive environment.

The Food Pantry Shopping Assistant plays an essential role in creating a positive and supportive shopping experience for our pantry clients. Volunteers in this position work one-on-one with clients to help them select food items, ensure their needs are met, and provide a friendly and respectful environment.

Responsibilities:

• Greet all participants warmly and assist them throughout their shopping experience, helping to navigate the full-choice pantry and offering guidance on available food choices
• Treat all clients with dignity, equity, and respect; ensure privacy and confidentiality are maintained at all times.
• Effectively address participant questions(changing from “customer” because it can imply that people need to buy items), and requests, and problem-solve or escalate to staff as needed.
• Keep all shelves organized, clean, well-stocked, and properly rotated for freshness: Monitor and restock food items during pantry hours to ensure shelves are always full and organized.
• Assist in general cleanup such as breaking down boxes, wiping down shelves and surfaces, emptying trash, sweeping, etc.
• Assist food pantry staff by bagging items including fresh produce, meat, food and non-food bags, etc.
• Communicate any client needs or feedback to the Pantry staff to help improve pantry services
• Help clients box/bag items and carry their groceries to their vehicles if needed
• Participate in cleanup tasks and ensure the work environment provided is clean and debris-free at the end of the shift
• Foster a positive work environment of outstanding teamwork, mutual respect, and effective communication.

Qualifications /Requirements:

• Must be 18 years of age or accompanied by a parent/guardian
• Participate in orientation and training
• Ability to lift up to 25lbs
• Commitment to volunteering on a regular schedule and punctuality for assigned shifts
• Positive attitude/team player, willingness to work collaboratively with a diverse team of volunteers and staff members respectfully and effectively
• Adhere to food safety guidelines safety, MCC policies
• Bilingual: Spanish/English is a plus