Food Pantry Coordinator

Jewish Community Services (JCS) is a well-established nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting vulnerable populations through a variety of social service programs. One of their key initiatives is the Food Security Programs team, which works tirelessly to ensure that individuals and families facing food insecurity have reliable access to nourishing meals. Among the important resources that JCS offers is the Kosher Food Pantry program, which caters to the dietary needs of community members requiring kosher food. This pantry not only provides food assistance but also maintains cultural and religious respect by offering kosher-certified products.

The Food Pantry Coordinator plays a pivotal role within this framework, focusing on the successful day-to-day management of the Kosher Food Pantry program. This full-time position is responsible for ensuring that kosher food is sourced reliably, stored safely, and distributed with dignity to community members in need. The role requires meticulous attention to maintaining compliance with health regulations, managing inventory, and fostering positive volunteer engagement. This position reports to the Food Security Programs team and collaborates closely with colleagues across other food security sites in Providence and Warwick to ensure seamless program delivery.

The Coordinator is entrusted with overseeing critical pantry operations such as ordering food from the Rhode Island Community Food Bank and various vendors. They also arrange for the pickup of donated foods from key collection sites like temples and schools. Maintaining the pantry, storeroom, freezers, and refrigerators in accordance with Department of Health standards is a daily priority, with responsibilities including logging temperature checks to guarantee food safety. The Coordinator adheres to first-in, first-out (FIFO) inventory principles to minimize waste and ensure fresh food distribution.

In addition to on-site pantry management, the Coordinator facilitates the delivery service to homebound community members. This involves taking orders via phone, organizing packings of requested items, and coordinating volunteer delivery efforts. Attention is paid to clients’ well-being, with follow-ups and referrals provided as necessary. Volunteer management is another cornerstone of the role, with duties encompassing recruiting, training, scheduling, and supervising a team of volunteers and part-time staff to support pantry functions.

Administratively, the Coordinator participates in budget development, monitors expenses for compliance, and contributes to grant writing and outcome reporting. Collaboration with the JCS development team ensures that donor relationships are nurtured and volunteer efforts succeed. Being an active member of the Food Security Programs team, the Coordinator engages in team meetings and contributes to ongoing program development and cross-site support, fostering consistent service standards across all locations.

This role is both physically demanding and highly impactful, requiring the ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, stand for extended periods, and navigate stocking and packing tasks that involve bending, kneeling, and lifting. The Coordinator must be detail-oriented, organized, and possess strong communication skills, able to work independently and as part of a team. Experience with economically vulnerable populations, seniors, volunteer coordination, and a willingness to learn kosher certification symbols (hechshers) are highly valued. A Food Safety Manager Certificate is required either at hire or within 30 days.

The Food Pantry Coordinator position offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute to food security efforts while working within a collaborative, mission-driven nonprofit environment. Those passionate about social service, community engagement, and food justice will find this role both challenging and deeply rewarding.