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Food Pantry Assistant Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

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Food Pantry Assistant information

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How much do food pantry assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for food pantry assistant in Rochester, NY is $16.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $18.27 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 are the most commonly searched types of Food Pantry jobs in Rochester, NY?

The most popular types of Food Pantry jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Food Pantry Assistant jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Food Pantry Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Food Pantry Assistant job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 29% Internship, 57% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,295 per year, or $17 per hour.

Chrysalis House Program Manager

Center for Youth Services

Rochester, NY • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Center for Youth: Started BY YOUTH FOR YOUTH. We partner with youth to realize their full potential, by creating opportunities, removing barriers and promoting social justice. The Center ensures understanding and values differences in people of diverse cultures, ethnic origins, sexual orientation, disabilities and beliefs.

The Counseling and Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) Department provides a continuum of essential services to the most vulnerable youth in our community, including two crisis nurseries, an emergency shelter, permanent and transitional housing, a food and clothing pantry, street outreach, and support for minor victims of commercial sexual exploitation.

The Chrysalis House Program Manager oversees a group-home environment providing transitional living services to pregnant/parenting homeless and runaway young moms ages 16 – 21. Chrysalis House staff strive to engage and establish mutually respectful, trusting relationships with the youth we serve. Clients are approached from a strengths- and asset-based perspective, and partnerships are formed with them to facilitate the identification of issues, concerns, and needs. The ultimate goal of the Chrysalis House team is to provide care and support to youth and their dependent child(ren) in a safe and respectful environment and to work with them to increase their parenting skills and to resolve the issues that led to their homelessness so they can ultimately secure and maintain a stable living environment. This position supervises and supports program staff (Assistant Manager, Case Managers, Life Skills Specialists, and Relief Staff) with professional development, including competency in trauma-informed interventions that foster mutually respectful relationships with residents in the program. This is a twelve (12) month, full-time position.

The Chrysalis House Program Manager also participates in the On-Call RHY Supervisor rotation (for 1 week, every 6-7 weeks). This emergency response system is intended to provide after-hours and weekend support to several residential programs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND EXAMPLE OF DUTIES:

  • Oversight of outreach, service delivery, utilization, and efficacy, including data collection, outcome measurement, record keeping, and report generation;
  • Personnel recruitment, screening, hiring, orientation, training, and support through supervision and professional development planning;
  • Monitors facility conditions and works with the Facilities Director to address maintenance issues;
  • Networking/partnering with other youth-serving agencies to coordinate the effective use of resources;
  • Maintenance of appropriate therapeutic relationship, including compliance with the agency's Code of Ethics and/or other professional code of conduct, as appropriate;
  • Crisis response and intervention;
  • Client Screening, Intake, and Assessment;
  • Oversight of the development, implementation, ongoing assessment, and coordination of client case management needs, services, and plans;
  • Client advocacy, as needed and appropriate;
  • Transportation of program participants, as required and consistent with agency policies;
  • Participation in On-Call rotation; and
  • Other duties as assigned.

GUIDELINES:

Candidates must be:

  • Youth friendly and positive
  • Calm and objective in crisis situations
  • Sensitive to the cultural issues and needs of youth from diverse backgrounds
  • Able to establish and maintain positive working relationships with key stakeholders (i.e., youth, peers, referral sources, law enforcement)
  • Able to work evenings, weekends and holidays, as needed and assigned

Candidates must possess significant knowledge of and skills related to:

  • Program management and supervisory methods and techniques
  • Team building and team dynamics
  • Programming outcomes and evaluation
  • Positive youth development
  • Counseling approaches and techniques
  • Adolescent development and issues
  • Group facilitation and training methods
  • Community resources
  • Crisis prevention, intervention skills, and resolution
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Time management and multi-tasking
  • Residential services including meal preparation, housekeeping, maintenance needs of facility

In addition to the above, it is mandatory that prior to hire a candidate have or be willing to obtain:

  • A valid driver's license and a driving record acceptable to agency insurance carrier
  • Regular access to a motor vehicle and automobile insurance at the level of $300,000 per accident/$100,000 per person Bodily Injury and $50,000 Property Damage
    • Proof of a satisfactory physical exam within the last 12 months including a PPD and annually thereafter.

QUALIFICATIONS:

A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in human services, education, or a related field, or (5) five years of qualifying experience; and at least (1) one year of management/supervisory experience. A Master's degree is preferred.

The Center for Youth provides equal opportunities for employment