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Volunteer Food Pantry Jobs (NOW HIRING)

JWCH Institute

Volunteer-Food Pantry Program

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $20.75/hr

Guided by the program manager, the Food Pantry Volunteer is tasked with the upkeep, cleanliness, and restocking of the food pantry. Collaborating closely with the HIV Nutritional Support Program ...

City of Marion, Iowa

Food Pantry Volunteer

Marion, IA · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

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 ...

JWCH Institute

Food Pantry Clerk

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$47K - $48K/yr

Provide guidance to volunteers with preparation and distribution of groceries. * Prepare distribution areas for each food pantry location. (set up tables, canopy, etc.) * Unload groceries and produce ...

The Salvation Army

Be Seen First

Food Pantry Aid

Toledo, OH · On-site

$15/hr

Coordinate all aspects of the food pantry in accordance with established policies and Director's approval. * Assist training volunteers, community and WEP workers on the food pantry process.

GoochlandCares

Food Pantry Associate

Goochland, VA · On-site

$20/hr

This role focuses on pantry operations, supporting volunteers, maintaining inventory flow, and ensuring food safety and quality standards are consistently met. Essential Job Functions * Ensures ...

GoochlandCares

Food Pantry Associate

Goochland, VA · On-site

$20/hr

This role focuses on pantry operations, supporting volunteers, maintaining inventory flow, and ensuring food safety and quality standards are consistently met. Essential Job Functions * Ensures ...

The Salvation Army

Food Pantry Aide

Peoria, IL · On-site

$15.75 - $18.53/hr

Food Pantry Aide LOCATION/DEPT: Peoria Food Programs REPORTS TO: Peoria Food Service &Warehouse ... We are made up of thousands of officers, soldiers, staff, volunteers, donors, and partners working ...

GoochlandCares

Food Pantry Associate

Goochland, VA

$20/hr

This role focuses on pantry operations, supporting volunteers, maintaining inventory flow, and ensuring food safety and quality standards are consistently met. Essential Job Functions * Ensures ...

The Riverside Church

Food Pantry Host

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$17.50 - $21/hr

Food Pantry Host (Volunteer Role) Location: The Riverside Church in the City of New York (New York, NY) Reports to: Supervisor of the Food Pantry Department: Social Services Schedule: Tuesdays to ...

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Volunteer Food Pantry information

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$11

$17

$22

How much do volunteer food pantry jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for volunteer food pantry 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 are some common challenges faced by volunteers at a food pantry and how can they prepare for them?

Volunteers at food pantries often encounter challenges such as managing busy periods, lifting heavy food items, and effectively communicating with individuals from diverse backgrounds. It's helpful to be adaptable and ready to multitask, as you may switch between sorting donations, stocking shelves, and assisting clients during a single shift. Good organizational skills and a compassionate approach are key, as you'll be working both independently and alongside other volunteers and staff to create a welcoming environment. Preparing by wearing comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes, as well as familiarizing yourself with basic food safety guidelines, can make your experience more enjoyable and impactful.

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

To thrive as a Volunteer Food Pantry worker, you need basic organizational skills, reliability, and a willingness to perform physical tasks such as sorting and distributing food. Familiarity with inventory tracking systems and basic food safety guidelines is helpful, though formal certifications are not always required. Strong communication, teamwork, and a compassionate attitude help volunteers connect with clients and support fellow team members. These skills ensure efficient operations, a positive client experience, and the safe distribution of resources to those in need.

What is the difference between Volunteer Food Pantry vs Volunteer Food Bank Coordinator?

AspectVolunteer Food PantryVolunteer Food Bank Coordinator
Required CredentialsNone or basic volunteer trainingBasic organizational skills, sometimes certifications in food safety
Work EnvironmentCommunity centers, food distribution sitesFood bank facilities, distribution networks
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofits, charities, community organizationsFood banks, large charitable organizations
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding volunteer roles in food assistanceDistinguishing volunteer roles in food distribution management

The Volunteer Food Pantry typically involves direct food distribution to community members with minimal credentials, working in local community centers. In contrast, a Volunteer Food Bank Coordinator often oversees operations, requiring organizational skills and sometimes certifications. While both roles support food assistance efforts, the pantry role is more hands-on, whereas the coordinator role involves management and logistics within food bank networks.

What is a volunteer food pantry worker?

Volunteer food pantry workers are individuals who donate their time to help operate food pantries, which provide free groceries and meals to people in need. Their responsibilities may include sorting and organizing food donations, packing food boxes, assisting clients, and helping with inventory management. These volunteers play a vital role in ensuring that food reaches those experiencing food insecurity in their communities. Volunteering at a food pantry is a meaningful way to support local families and fight hunger.

What cities are hiring for Volunteer Food Pantry jobs?

Cities with the most Volunteer Food Pantry 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 Volunteer Food Pantry jobs?

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

What job categories do people searching Volunteer Food Pantry jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Volunteer Food Pantry jobs are:

Volunteer Food Pantry jobs near you
Infographic showing various Volunteer Food Pantry job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,772 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Volunteer - Food Pantry

Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency

Salem, OR • On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Our Mission: MWVCAA invests in people and their futures to reduce the impacts of poverty.Our Vision: We envision a just future, where our communities are empowered to reach positive outcomes and everyone is respected for their infinite worth.Volunteer with us! This is an unpaid, volunteer position. There are typically shifts available Monday - Sunday.GENERAL DESCRIPTIONFood insecurity is growing across our broader community, and we are looking for volunteers who want to make a difference by giving their time. The Volunteer Food Pantry Assistant position supports the operation of the food pantry by sorting, stocking, and distributing food items to individuals and families in need. The Food Pantry Assistant helps maintain a clean and organized environment, while providing respectful and compassionate service.Our food pantry in East Salem serves clients twice a week and we are committed to preserving and expanding this resource.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSThe requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCECandidate must pass a comprehensive MWVCAA background screening prior to employment.Food Handlers Card Preferred or ability to obtain upon request.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESDistributes food items in a shopping model.Stocks merchandise shelves.Stocks refrigerators and freezers.Maintains cleanliness throughout the pantry, in refrigerators, and freezers.Registers new clients.Unloads incoming supplies and food.PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.Occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.Ability to move about the workspace.Ability to reach and/or extend to access materials, supplies, food, or equipment.WORK ENVIRONMENTMostly indoor work environment with frequent interruptions and demands.Occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions.Exposure to trash and potential biohazards. MWVCAA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, veterans, and people with disabilities or any other protected category. We welcome all people to join us in achieving our Mission. If you require any assistance in the application process, or reasonable accommodations to perform the essential duties of the position, please notify a member of our team at (503) 585-6232.
Job Posted by ApplicantPro