Food Pantry Lead

Join to apply for the Food Pantry Lead role at FAM - Family Assistance Ministries

This range is provided by FAM - Family Assistance Ministries. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

$21.00/hr - $22.00/hr

The Food Pantry Lead (FPL) plays a vital role in supporting day-to-day operations of FAM’s food pantry and satellite distribution sites. This position is responsible for maintaining food safety standards, organizing and distributing food items, supporting client service delivery, and ensuring smooth, respectful, and efficient operations at all food distribution locations. FPL serves as the on-site representative during food distributions and helps uphold compliance with agency and food partner protocols.

This is a hands‑on, client‑facing role for someone who is organized, dependable, and mission‑driven—ideally suited for individuals who thrive in fast‑paced, service‑oriented environments and are passionate about ensuring access to food with dignity and care.

About Family Assistance Ministries (FAM):

FAM is an interfaith, nonprofit organization whose mission is to assist people in need with food, shelter, and personalized coaching on their journey to independence. Our team works across South Orange County to meet people where they are, walk alongside them, and remove barriers to stability and self‑sufficiency.

• Serve as the primary representative to deliver food aid boxes during food distribution and ensure a welcoming, respectful, and consistent experience for all clients.
• Answer questions, explain available food items, and distribute printed materials or referrals as needed.
• Identify when a client may need additional support and coordinate with Case Managers or appropriate staff to ensure follow‑up or escalation.
• Offer basic referrals or direct clients to available resources.
• Support a trauma‑informed and client‑centered approach to all interactions, promoting compassionate access.

• Follow all food safety procedures, including temperature logging, proper storage, and sanitation protocols at the pantry and satellite locations.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe environments at all distribution points by performing routine cleaning and setup tasks.
• Perform regular checks on refrigerators, freezers, and food safety equipment, report issues promptly for repair or maintenance.
• Conduct daily walk‑throughs and complete safety checklists to identify any hazards or noncompliance.
• Support the implementation of emergency and safety procedures as trained and instructed.
• Assist in maintaining processes outlined in Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for pantry and distribution tasks.
• Complete all required trainings including food safety handling.
• Serve as primary representative to oversee all volunteers in food pantry and ensure safe food handling.

• Receive, sort, store, and rotate food items according to safety standards and Second Harvest protocols.
• Label products and track expiration dates; remove and dispose of any spoiled or expired goods.
• Restock shelves, pack food bags/boxes, and prepare items for client distribution.
• Accurately log incoming and outgoing food using inventory tracking tools provided.
• Complete daily and monthly inventory tasks as assigned, including in‑kind tracking logs.

• Set up and break down food distribution areas at the pantry and satellite sites.
• Assemble food boxes and grocery bags based on daily plans, inventory, and dietary guidelines.
• Load/unload food deliveries and transport items between the main pantry and satellite locations as needed.
• Complete grocery rescue runs and/or coordinate grocery store pickups, following food intake and storage instructions.
• Monitor arrival areas during distribution to ensure safe and efficient client flow in line with appointment‑based scheduling systems—helping maintain traffic order and prevent early congestion.
• Communicate with clients and volunteers to support organized service delivery.

• Serve as the on‑site…