Emergency Food Pantry Coordinator

Join Harvest Hope Food Bank, South Carolina's largest hunger-relief organization, serving 20 counties and distributing 30 million pounds of food annually. We value innovation, collaboration, and diversity, offering a rewarding experience for those dedicated to ending hunger.

About the role

The Emergency Food Pantry Coordinator ensures efficient and effective daily operations of the Emergency Food Pantry (EFP) area, coordinates with Operations and Fulfillment, supervises staff and volunteers, and provides food for those in need with dignity, compassion, and education.

The emergency food pantry provides free groceries to individuals and families experiencing temporary hardship, with no complicated requirements. We offer shelf-stable items and, when available, fresh foods such as produce, dairy, and bread. Our goal is to ensure neighbors in our community have access to nutritious food during difficult times.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the efficient operation, supervision, and maintenance of the EFP daily service to ensure clients receive nutritionally balanced food and best practices for food pantry service are followed.
• Train and supervise volunteers daily.
• Ensure the EFP operates in accordance with all appropriate guidelines set by HHFB compliance policies, USDA, OSHA, DHEC, Feeding America, and other relevant agencies.
• Maintain the EFP area of the facility and coordinate cleaning, repairs, and needs with the Warehouse Manager.
• Manage daily and monthly inventory, balance supply vs. demand, and monitor waste according to budget.
• Coordinate the EFP schedule with the Volunteer Coordinator to ensure a daily supply of volunteers and projects needed to meet service demand.
• Provide for the client intake process, ensuring clients are treated with dignity and compassion.
• Provide community resource materials/information to clients.
• Monitor and assess EFP inventory to secure food through appropriate departments as needed in a timely manner.
• Maintain all client records, USDA forms, records checks, and all monthly and yearly reports for food service and other EFP programs; gather, record, and safeguard confidential client information.
• Ensure all service data sets are maintained, including USDA income eligibility, service, temperature logs, inventory, damaged product, and monthly reporting.
• Coordinate appropriate volunteer recognition and fellowship activities.
• Provide monthly reports on client data analysis for grant reporting, advocacy, and strategic planning purposes.
• Support a culture of continuous improvement by identifying and communicating process and safety improvements.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; bachelor's degree preferred.
• Two or more years of experience in social work, volunteer coordination, and/or a supervisory role.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to engage and direct volunteers.
• Exceptional ability to interact with others in a diplomatic, courteous, and positive manner, maintaining professionalism and urgency when necessary.
• Capable of safely lifting up to 30 lbs on a regular basis.
• Proficient in handling a pallet jack.
• Experience in driving a stand-up forklift or willingness to obtain certification.
• Previous experience in a warehouse setting preferred, with a strong understanding of safety protocols and best operational practices.
• Ability to coordinate multiple projects or events and adhere to deadlines in a high-energy, fast-paced environment.
• Self-directed, proactive, and independent problem-solver.
• Ability to motivate and give instruction to large, diverse groups.
• Exceptional organization skills and attention to detail.

Team Member Accountabilities

• Demonstrate a commitment to the HHFB mission and to fighting hunger in South Carolina.
• Display a desire to work with culturally diverse populations using a compassionate, collaborative, and respectful approach.
• Support a culture of continuous improvement by identifying and communicating process and safety improvements.
• Follow all safety policies and procedures, including reporting unsafe acts, behaviors, hazards, incidents, or accidents immediately.
• Acknowledge that HHFB team members are considered emergency responders and may be called in to perform regular or emergent duties during federally, state, or locally declared emergencies.