The Pantry Supervisor is critical to the success of that goal by enlisting and managing community involvement in the procurement of these foods— including but not limited to retail vendors, congregations, civic groups, volunteers, and individual gardeners. The Pantry Supervisor assists with program assessment by tracking the amount and nutritional content of food procured. To enhance consistent client access to nutritious food, the Pantry Supervisor manages the volunteers who conduct food rescues, drives, deliveries, and distributions. By combining outreach and volunteer management, the Pantry Supervisor helps volunteers be a part of the outreach process, thus further integrating volunteers into the service model.
Service Activities
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Product/Resource Coordination:
Assist with identifying new food rescue opportunities focused on nutrient-dense or protein-rich foods (working with local vendors to obtain usable products that would normally be discarded)
Manage all arrangements with vendors and volunteers for conducting the rescues
Troubleshoot problems with food rescues and work to create mutually acceptable and beneficial solutions
Order fresh produce, frozen meat, and non-perishable food for at least 500 families on a weekly basis, while adhering to budget
Manage the input and output of inventory for each food distribution, following FIFO
Research uses for new or unusual products in partnership with dietician
Organize and track inventory to understand best use of space
Coordinate logistics for all food drives, compost and cardboard recycling, and storage needs for perishable rescued foods.
Volunteer Management:
Train and oversee volunteers to collect, sort, package, and display food for distribution to clients
Determine needs and supervise volunteers for food drive, food rescue, delivery and waste management (compost/cardboard)
Assist with Summer Meals as needed
General:
Assist with set up for each food distribution
Manage distribution by supervising and coordinating volunteers, as well as providing clients with friendly customer service
Manage food procurement documentation
Maintain a sanitary work environment in preparation for visits from health inspectors
Attend training and community meetings as approved by supervisor
Maintain flexibility with time, tasks, and priorities
Pursue a program of professional self-development including selected readings, seminars, and workshops
Assume additional responsibilities as necessary or as assigned by supervisor to accomplish the purpose and goals of the Pantry including orientation and cross-training in other Distribution activities
Community Need Addressed
Food insecurity and poor nutrition go hand in hand. For those struggling with hunger, food choices are often prioritized based on an item’s cost, not its nutritional value. Thus, those who suffer from food insecurity are less likely to eat fruits and vegetables, less likely to get the calcium and protein they need, and more likely to have diets high in sugar and fat. In providing emergency hunger relief, Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry aims to deliver the very items our clients need most: nutrient-dense and protein-rich foods.
Position Outcomes
Food insecurity and poor nutrition go hand in hand. For those struggling with hunger, food choices are often prioritized based on an item’s cost, not its nutritional value. Thus, those who suffer from food insecurity are less likely to eat fruits and vegetables, less likely to get the calcium and protein they need, and more likely to have diets high in sugar and fat. In providing emergency hunger relief, Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry aims to deliver the very items our clients need most: nutrient-dense and protein-rich foods.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Training
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem
Teamwork
Derive consensus
Decisions
Accepts responsibility
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients