Food Pantry Manager-Jr/Sr High

About the role

The Jr/Sr High School Food Pantry Manager is responsible for managing and overseeing the daily operations of the school food pantry to support students and families experiencing food insecurity. This role ensures equitable access to food and basic necessities while fostering a welcoming, respectful, and confidential environment for families. The coordinator collaborates with school staff, community organizations, and volunteers to identify needs, coordinate resources, and support student well-being.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate all operations of the elementary food pantry, including inventory management, organization, stocking, and distribution of food and essential items.
• Maintain accurate records of pantry inventory, donations, usage, and distribution data.
• Coordinate food drives, donation efforts, and partnerships with community agencies, local businesses, and nonprofit organizations.
• Identify and support students and families experiencing food insecurity through collaboration with school counselors, administrators, nurses, and staff while maintaining confidentiality.
• Develop and communicate pantry schedules, distribution procedures, and outreach efforts to families.
• Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise volunteers supporting pantry operations.
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards, storage requirements, and district policies.
• Monitor pantry needs and proactively seek resources to sustain services for students and families.
• Support families by connecting them with additional community resources and services as appropriate.
• Assist with special programs, such as holiday meal distributions, weekend backpack programs, or emergency assistance initiatives.
• Promote a positive, welcoming environment that reduces barriers and stigma associated with accessing support services.
• Collaborate with building leadership and district personnel to evaluate program effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by administration to support student and family success.
• Collaborate with Director of Student Services and Jr/Sr High Food Pantry Manager.

Qualifications

• Preferred experience working with children, families, schools, or community service organizations.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and work effectively with diverse populations.
• Knowledge of community resources and food assistance programs preferred.
• Ability to lift and move food boxes or supplies as needed.
• Must be able to follow the required schedule/hours for families to access the food pantry.

Work Environment

This position is based within the elementary school setting and involves regular interaction with students, families, staff, volunteers, and community partners. The coordinator serves as a key support in promoting student wellness, attendance, and readiness to learn by addressing food insecurity. Food Pantry operations occur before school, by appointment only during the day, and after school hours, with two monthly 2-hour extended time frames scheduled in alternating weeks with the elementary food pantry manager. Responsible for weekly deliveries, unloading, and storage. Must complete virtual training provided by the Food Bank of Iowa upon starting the position.

Physical Requirements

• Bending, carrying, climbing, driving, lifting, pushing/pulling, reaching, sitting, standing, walking.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. frequently.