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Food Pantry Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Food Pantry Assistant

Mount Pleasant, MI · On-site

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

The Salvation Army Food Pantry Assistant supports the functioning of the pantry by stocking pantry storage areas, packing food orders for clients, maintaining cleanliness of all storage areas and ...

The Salvation Army Midland Division Southern Illinois Area Command (SIAC) located in Marion, Illinois, is looking fora part-time, 25 hours per week, Food Pantry Assistant.This position assists with ...

Food Pantry Assistant

Austin, MN · On-site

$11.68 - $15.50/hr

The Food Shelf Assistant supports food pantry operations by distributing food, managing inventory, handling donations, and maintaining cleanliness. The Assistant ensures accurate record-keeping ...

Characteristics, Duties, and Responsibilities • Assist with the daily operation of the food pantry locations on the Cranford, Plainfield and Elizabeth campuses. • Responsible for checking ...

Assists in enforcing food pantry policies and procedures. * Oversees the upkeep of the food pantry ensuring safety and cleanliness. * Assist with the regular unloading, stocking and storing of food ...

Assists in enforcing food pantry policies and procedures. * Oversees the upkeep of the food pantry ensuring safety and cleanliness. * Assist with the regular unloading, stocking and storing of food ...

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Food Pantry Assistant information

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$11

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How much do food pantry assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for food pantry assistant in the United States is $17.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $18.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food pantry assistant?

Food Pantry Assistants are individuals who help manage the daily operations of a food pantry. Their responsibilities typically include sorting and organizing food donations, assisting clients with selecting food items, maintaining inventory, and ensuring a clean and safe environment. They may also help with record-keeping and provide information about additional community resources. Food Pantry Assistants play a vital role in supporting food security for individuals and families in need.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food pantry assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Pantry Assistant, you need basic organizational skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to community service, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with inventory management systems, food safety protocols, and occasionally point-of-sale software is beneficial. Strong interpersonal skills, reliability, and a positive attitude help in serving diverse clients and collaborating with volunteers. These abilities ensure efficient food distribution, safe operations, and a welcoming environment for those in need.

What are some common challenges food pantry assistants face during busy distribution periods, and how can they effectively manage them?

During peak distribution times, Food Pantry Assistants often encounter challenges such as long lines, inventory shortages, and ensuring fair distribution to all clients. Effective communication, organizational skills, and teamwork are essential for managing these situations smoothly. Proactively restocking shelves, coordinating with volunteers, and maintaining a positive, solution-oriented attitude help ensure that operations run efficiently and clients feel supported.

What is the difference between Food Pantry Assistant vs Food Bank Worker?

AspectFood Pantry AssistantFood Bank Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require food safety trainingHigh school diploma; may require certifications in food handling or safety
Work EnvironmentCommunity food pantries, local charitiesRegional food banks, distribution centers
Employer & IndustryNonprofit organizations, community service providersFood banks, large charitable organizations
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Food Pantry Assistant and a Food Bank Worker lies in their work environment and scope. Food Pantry Assistants typically work directly in community-based food pantries, helping distribute food to individuals and families. Food Bank Workers operate in larger distribution centers, managing inventory and coordinating food distribution on a broader scale. Both roles require similar credentials and serve the nonprofit food assistance industry, but their daily tasks and work settings differ.

Can you work at a food pantry?

Yes, a Food Pantry Assistant can work at a food pantry, typically involving tasks such as organizing supplies, assisting clients, and maintaining the facility. These roles often require good communication skills, physical stamina, and sometimes background checks or training in food safety. Scheduling can vary, with part-time or full-time shifts depending on the organization.

What cities are hiring for Food Pantry Assistant jobs?

Cities with the most Food Pantry Assistant job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Pantry jobs?

The most popular types of Food Pantry jobs are:

What states have the most Food Pantry Assistant jobs?

States with the most job openings for Food Pantry Assistant jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Food Pantry Assistant jobs?

For Food Pantry Assistant jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Food Pantry Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,772 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Food Pantry Assistant

Brockton, MA • On-site

$18.38 - $21.60/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 11 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Oversees and supports daily food pantry operations, including managing inventory, stocking, restocking, and tracking food items.

  • Supports food distribution activities by transporting food, assisting clients, and maintaining a clean and organized environment.

  • Performs administrative tasks such as inputting client data, communicating with clients and stakeholders, and assisting the Food Pantry Coordinator as needed.


Job description

 

If you thrive in a non-profit organization where what you do makes a difference in the lives of others, then Catholic Charities is the place for you!

With a refreshing culture that is supportive, collaborative, and encouraging of diverse perspectives and backgrounds why not join the Catholic Charities team! 

The Catholic Charities Food Pantry Network serves the food insecure at four locations throughout Greater Boston and provides additional services to external partner organizations. The Food Pantry Assistant oversees smaller pantry operations and/or supports the Food Pantry Coordinator at a larger pantry. The Food Pantry Assistant provides logistical support to the daily food distribution center operations of the Food Pantry, including, but not limited to, logistics of the distribution, stocking and restocking of the food items, checking for expiration dates, sorting food items, and tracking inventory. The Assistant also performs other duties as needed, including picking up the food from other local centers, driving the truck, supporting volunteers, and compassionately rendering distribution of food items to the clients in our distribution centers, while maintaining personal and professional boundaries. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Manages on-hand, incoming, and outgoing food inventory, ordering, donations, and transport preparation. Transporting food via van or truck, as necessary.
  • Demonstrates strong professional skills and integrity, including in stressful and/or emergency situations; implements organizational and food pantry policies and procedures per the Director of Food Pantries; is proactive and enthusiastic. Demonstrates sensitivity to the needs of individuals and families experiencing financial hardships, mental illness, trauma, and from varied cultural backgrounds.
  • Works well independently and as part of a team. Supports other pantries as needed, including traveling to other sites, participating in the physical demands of the role, and flexibly accommodating pantry or volunteer group needs (occasionally).
  • Communicates sensitively and effectively with the clients, the public, colleagues, collaborators, volunteers, and other stakeholders verbally, or via email, texting, or other means as required. Maintains professional boundaries and confidentiality.
  • Meets with clients to check in or register them for the Food Pantry services.
  • Inputs all client data and other related information into the required computer database(s) in a timely manner.
  • Provides food service outreach information and responds to client needs in a calm and sensitive manner.
  • Ensures that the operation of the food pantry, its equipment, facilities, and staff/volunteers meet all health and safety requirements and maintains a tidy and organized environment.
  • Assists Food Pantry Coordinator as needed and assumes responsibilities in the coordinator’s absence.
  • Performs work primarily in a food pantry performing physical tasks such as lifting and reaching, with occasional work in an office setting.
  • Attends and participates in required internal and external meetings and trainings.
  • Local travel as necessary.

QUALIFICATIONS 

  • A high school diploma or equivalent vocational/technical training, or HiSet Certificate.
  • Valid Massachusetts driver’s license with five + years of driving experience. Previous experience driving a 26' truck or larger required. A CDL is NOT required. Must be comfortable driving on highways and interstates. Maintains a safe driving record.
  • Ability to remain on feet for extended periods during food pantry distribution times and restocking times.
  • ServSafe certification preferred, willing to be trained in food safety for food handlers.
  • Proficiency in additional languages preferred
  • Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information. Basic computer and email experience with the willingness and ability to learn internal software systems for scheduling and inventory.
  • The ability to bend, reach and lift 65 pounds without the use of an assistive device. Ability to safely operate a manual pallet jack, forklift, electric power jack, and loading lift.
  • Strong communication and problem-solving skills and excellent attention to detail.
  • Availability for occasional weekend or evening hours.

Our benefits are competitive and include a 403(b) savings plan and generous time off (benefits may vary based on position and scheduled hours). 

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The base pay range reflects what Catholic Charities reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for this role at the time of posting and may be modified from time to time.  Actual compensation in this range may be determined based on other factors, including but not limited to work experience, education and specialty training.

Visit us at: www.ccab.org.


Monday thru Friday, 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM; occasional weekend or evening work may be required
37.5 hours per week