Volunteer Community Pantry

Title: Community Pantry Volunteer 

Location: Community Y

There is potential inside all of us – we all have it in us to shine.

Every charity exists to help solve a problem – our charity exists to help solve many problems, from childcare shortages, social isolation, mental health issues, access to wellness, and more. Today, our network is spread across 100+ program locations in HRM and the province, meeting the most urgent needs of our communities in mental health supports, accessible childcare, supporting an increasing immigrant population, safe spaces for youth to grow and lead, helping to navigate a precarious labour market, delivering wellness programming for all, and creating community for isolated older adults. 

We give people the tools, encouragement, and safe space to discover their inner strength. When they know someone's in their corner, with unconditional support, they realize they can do more than they thought possible. It's your support, expertise, and guidance that helps people ignite their full potential and shape our neighbourhoods into vibrant and healthy communities.  

With us at their side, they can Shine On. 

About the role:

Reporting to the Community Y Program Director, the pantry volunteer supports the operations of our community pantry, as a pantry volunteer you will play a key role in collecting, organizing, and distributing food donations while providing valuable assistance to individuals and families in need. You will help maintain an efficient and organized pantry space, track user data, and work collaboratively with our team to ensure the pantry runs smoothly and effectively

In this role, you will:

As a Pantry Volunteer, you will assist in the collection, organization, and coordination of food donations from community partners and members. You will sort, categorize, and store pantry items to maintain an organized and accessible space, while ensuring the pantry remains clean and orderly by helping with cleaning before and after operations. You will track pantry user data in a confidential and respectful manner, always maintaining privacy. Additionally, you will greet and support pantry users in a friendly and respectful way, assisting them in selecting food based on their needs and the available inventory. You will collaborate with fellow volunteers and staff to help achieve the pantry's goals and ensure smooth operations and take on any other duties as assigned by the Community Y Program Director. 

Education and Skills Qualifications: 

• Friendly, respectful, and compassionate attitude toward others.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work well in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to lift to 25 lbs and assist with organizing pantry shelves.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and respecting pantry users' privacy.
• Basic data tracking experience is helpful but not required.

To Apply

Please apply online at by January 17, 2025.

Please note that all successful candidates are required to provide:

• Criminal Record Check, Vulnerable Sector Check, and Child Abuse Registry Check (less than 6 months old), if 18 years of age or older
• Attend Child Safeguarding Training upon hire
• Valid First Aid and CPR Training

Please note, Background checks are reviewed on an individual basis – offenses, if any, are based on role and Child Safeguarding requirements, and may not eliminate candidates from employment at our YMCA.

At the YMCA, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. We believe that a variety of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences enrich our organization, enabling us to better serve our community and achieve our mission. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, racially diverse, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, gender-diverse people, people with diverse abilities, members of ethnic minorities and faith groups, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.

If you require accommodation during the hiring process, please inform us in advance to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation.