Produce Lead (PT-20 hrs./week)

Loaves & Fishes relies on dozens of volunteers each week to inspect, sort, and pack fresh food for distribution to clients. The Produce Lead, under the guidance of the Registered Dietitian (RD) and Operations Manager, primarily leads produce volunteer shifts and provides oversight, as needed, for other perishable food shifts.

Qualifications: 

• Knowledge of various fruits and vegetables, key indicators of freshness, food dating protocols, First In/First Out distribution practices, and a general understanding of common dietary issues (diabetic, high cholesterol, etc.)
• Able to communicate effectively and work with diverse groups of people, including staff, pantry visitors, and volunteers of all ages and backgrounds. Requires a blend of pleasantness, firmness, and patience.  
• Able to lift 20-30 pounds repeatedly throughout the day and be on your feet in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexibility and willingness to reassess and change plans (donation volumes, truck running late, unexpected produce deliveries, no-show volunteers) are required.
• Well-organized, able to train and delegate duties and responsibilities.  

• Assess and inventory new perishable produce received each day. 
• Work under the guidance of the RD and Operations Manager to determine which and how much of each perishable food item can be given out at each distribution.
• Oversee and direct produce volunteer shifts (hours listed below) to:

• Sort produce to ensure quality and freshness,
• Pack produce bags with a variety of fruits and vegetables, ensuring each bag has equal nutritious options,
• Repackage large quantity produce into smaller portions when needed,
• Organize, label, and store packed bags so they are ready for client distribution,
• Discard any unusable food into pig bucket bins,
• Store excess produce in accordance with food safety protocols,
• Clean workspace and restock supplies (bags, baskets, gloves, etc.) for future volunteer shifts