Volunteer Pantry Receptionist & Food Packer

As a Reception Volunteer, you’ll support the team in creating a warm, welcoming environment for the local residents who are our Pantry Members. You’ll provide ‘customer-facing’ service, encouraging conversations while managing individual payments.

About The Local Pantry: 

The Local Pantry combines surplus food and the help of volunteers to create nutritious food parcels for the community. Members of the scheme will receive a weekly food box (containing between £15 - £25 worth of food) at a cost of just £3.50 per week, freeing up more money for essentials and reducing food bills as well as the amount of quality food being wasted. 

We have 3 main aims:

• To improve nutrition and reduce hunger 
• To strengthen communities while encouraging friendships 
• To stop food going to landfill 

What does a Pantry Reception volunteer do? 

You’ll act as a maitre d’ of the team, running the Pantry’s reception and helping to create a friendly atmosphere that will make members of the pantry want to return each week, while confidently dealing with any potential complaints. While managing the reception you’ll handle cash transactions, accurately keeping records of payments, and check to make sure that any allergies are identified and raised. You’ll also ensure that anyone interested in joining as a member is given the correct forms to fill in.

To apply for this role you should be: 

• A great communicator with a good level of written/ spoken English
• A team player, working well with your fellow volunteers and participating actively in any meetings
• Well organised and able to multitask in a busy environment
• Trustworthy and able to handle cash with a great attention to detail
• (Desirable) Able to maintain documents, records and spreadsheets using Microsoft Office Software
• Confident in making/ handling phone calls to any members
• Able to maintain confidentiality of personal information and uphold GDPR practices
• Helpful, with a courteous approach to resolving complaints

Skills you’ll learn

• Teamwork: You’ll work as part of a team with other volunteers to make sure the pantry runs smoothly.
• Relationship building: You’ll build lasting relationships with your fellow volunteers and the wider Pantry staff.
• Time management: You will be organised and handle customer interactions in a fast-paced environment.

What to expect from us:

• Ongoing, regular visits, support and advice from the Pantry Director
• Expenses covered in line with our volunteer policy
• Ad-hoc training, which might include safeguarding and first aid
• Impressive skills to add to your CV and a reference if/ when you need it
• The opportunity to work with a group of like-minded people
• The opportunity to make a difference during a challenging time.

Safeguarding statement 

Safeguarding is Everyone’s business – The Local Pantry is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare / wellbeing of children, young people and adults at risk. It expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.