Food Pantry Volunteer

JOB INFORMATION

Department: Marion Public Library

Bargaining Unit: Volunteer

Reports to Position: Food Pantry Coordinator 

Pay Grade: N/A

Location: Marion Public Library

JOB SUMMARY

The Food Pantry Volunteer position supports the Marion Public Library's mission to provide a food pantry that offers dignified, efficient, and compassionate service to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. This volunteer position plays an essential role to help ensure community members have access to nutritious food in a respectful and organized environment by sorting and shelving food donations, assembling food boxes, picking food up from distribution partners, delivering food donations to the library, providing quality control by checking dates, maintaining the cleanliness of the pantry areas, and supporting staff with general organization.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES/WORK PERFORMED

• Assist with receiving, sorting, and inspecting donated food items for quality and expiration dates.
  
• Stock shelves, refrigerators, and freezers in an organized and safe manner.
• Help prepare pre-packaged food boxes or bags for distribution. 
• Greet clients and assist with food selection in a courteous and respectful manner.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of pantry, storage areas, and workspaces.
• Support inventory tracking and notify Food Pantry Coordinator of low stock items.
• Assist with donation drives, special events, or outreach efforts as needed. 
• Follow all safety, sanitation, and confidentiality guidelines to keep all program attendees and all patrons, stakeholders, and donor information learned while volunteering confidential. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and diverse populations. 
• Ability to work with minimum supervision.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Reliable, punctual, and able to follow directions. 
  
• Commitment to maintaining client dignity and confidentiality.

WHAT YOU WILL BE TRAINED ON

• Initial orientation and overview of pantry operations including proper shelving, sorting, and rotation procedures.
• Confidentiality and Client Privacy Practices.
• Bias and Empathy Training.
• Food safety and handling guidelines.
• Emergency and safety protocols.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to stand, walk, and bend for extended periods. 
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, stand, push, pull as required.
• Ability to lift and carry 35 pounds (with or without accommodations) in order to sort and move food items, restock shelves, and assist with donation intake. 
• Ability to work in varying temperatures. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Indoor pantry setting with occasional outdoor activities (e.g. donation intake).
• May involve moderate noise levels and fast-paced distribution periods.

SCHEDULE

• Flexible based on volunteer availability and pantry hours.
• May include evenings or weekends depending on pantry operations.

Required Background Checks

• Criminal Background Check
• Sex Offender Registry Check
• Physician sign off on essential duties and physical requirements.