Food Pantry Manager

Food Pantry Manager
Reports to: Director of Social Services
Department: Social Services Ministry
FLSA Status: Full-Time (9:00am–5:00pm)

Date: March 2025

Job Summary:

The Riverside Church Food Pantry seeks to address food insecurity and improve the nutritional status of the individuals and families we serve within our designated catchment area of West 96th Street to West 179th Street (GWB). Under the direct supervision of the Director of Social Services, the Food Pantry Manager oversees, directs, and evaluates all aspects of pantry operations. This includes implementing and maintaining established standards for the quality of food, produce, and other items, supervising volunteers, maintaining inventory, and ensuring compliance with Food Bank and City/State regulations. The Manager ensures that services are delivered with dignity, efficiency, and in alignment with the mission and values of The Riverside Church.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Operations & Program Management

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the Food Pantry, including intake, distribution, storage, and client services.
• Communicate Food Pantry Guidelines and Procedures to clients and staff.
• Maximize client satisfaction and address complaints with professionalism and care.
• Maintain positive and professional working relationships with all staff and volunteers.
• Provide ongoing direction, supervision, and mentoring to Food Pantry staff and volunteers.
• Maintain a calm demeanor while addressing multiple and competing priorities.
• Maintain accurate inventory of food items; coordinate restocking, ordering, and deliveries with the Food Bank and other vendors.
• Place food orders after conducting cost-effective reviews by comparing prices from approved vendors.
• Ensure food is handled, stored, and distributed in compliance with all safety, sanitation, and Food Bank standards.
• Label all foods with the date received and expiration date.
• Oversee loading and unloading processes with drivers, volunteers, and staff.
• Ensure proper transport and disposal of cartons and pallets.
• Manage volunteer and pantry scheduling, including weekly distributions and special events.
• Implement and maintain efficient workflows for intake, distribution, and reporting.

Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure full compliance with Food Bank for NYC membership requirements, including Client Attestations, training, recordkeeping, temperature logs, reporting, and audits.
• Complete monthly, quarterly, and annual reports on client numbers (# of bags, # of people served, family composition), inventory, and program performance.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records for all program operations and grant reporting requirements.

Volunteer Coordination & Supervision

• Recruit, train, supervise, and retain volunteers for pantry operations.
• Provide ongoing coaching, leadership, and clear direction to ensure safe, respectful, and efficient services.
• Cultivate a supportive, mission-driven environment for volunteer engagement.

Client Services & Community Engagement

• Ensure clients receive respectful, culturally sensitive, supportive, and dignity-centered services.
• Identify client needs and refer individuals to internal and external social service resources (local food pantries, soup kitchens, and human service agencies).
• Build and strengthen relationships with community partners, donors, and organizations supporting food access initiatives.

Administrative Duties

• Manage equipment, maintenance requests, and physical space needs related to pantry operations.
• Assist in budget monitoring, grant support, and identify opportunities to expand pantry services.
• Collaborate closely with the Director of Social Services and church leadership on strategic planning and program improvements.
• Maintain a clean and safe environment in and around the food pantry.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Social Services and senior leadership.

Education & Experience

• Associate or Bachelor's degree in Social Services, Human Services, Public Health, Nonprofit Administration, or related field preferred.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English)required.
• Minimum 2–3 years of experience in food pantry operations, social services, nonprofit program management, or related work.
• Experience supervising volunteers or staff highly preferred.
• Experience working with diverse populations, including individuals experiencing food insecurity, homelessness, or crisis situations.
• A valid driver’s license is a plus and may be required for occasional program needs.
• Commitment to and respect for the mission of The Riverside Church, its programs, staff, congregants, and volunteers.
• Must be a team player and able to collaborate effectively with other department staff.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong organizational, time management, and multitasking abilities.
• Knowledge of food safety, inventory management, and compliance requirements.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and conflict-management skills.
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs.and stand for extended periods as required in pantry operations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 or similar software; ability to learn data-tracking systems.
• This position requires in-person, on-site work at The Riverside Church.

TRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No employee, or applicant for employment, shall be discriminated against in any term or condition of employment because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are constantly striving to make our organization anti-racist. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values. As an employee, you become part of that mission. We expect this same commitment from our staff.