Beacon of Hope: Healthy Opportunities Pilot (HOP) Program Shopper

Overview: “Healthy Opportunities Pilot” Program (HOP)

Beacon of Hope is an HSO (Health Service Organization) within the “Healthy Opportunities Pilot” Program, funded through Medicaid. We have two HOP Outposts, both located roughly 2 miles down the road from our main facility, which houses our food pantry, thrift store and laundromat. The first, located at 7229 US Hwy 25/70, is for receiving and packing online orders (received via our SmartChoice online shopping platform), and where those who place online orders, pick them up. The second, located at 7265 Hwy 25/70, hosts our dedicated space for those who prefer in-person shopping. Both models offer a client choice option where you can “shop” for your groceries with a points based system for items such as meats, dairy, dry goods, frozen foods, and fresh produce. Currently, 89 families are enrolled in our HOP Program, with new families being added to our roster weekly.

Our HOP shoppers are responsible for shopping at ALDI for items to stock both sites, picking up online orders placed by HOP management through Ingles and Walmart, and picking up milk boxes from Ingles and donations from local grocers for Beacon’s food pantry. HOP shoppers also assist with restocking both outposts, breaking down cardboard, helping pack online orders and fruit and vegetable bags, as well as assist with other day-to-day tasks related to HOP operations.

Other HOP HSOs/agencies offer assistance such as home repairs, home goods, car repairs, transportation reimbursements, utility assistance, rental deposits, moving assistance, classes for parenting and healthy relationships, violence prevention services, and more! If a person possesses a plastic Medicaid card, Beacon can initiate the referral process, though program eligibility is determined outside of our organization during a screening process with a Care Manager.

Mission:

Beacon of Hope Services is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization whose mission is to connect and empower our community through food. Beacon of Hope has been working to reduce food insecurity for low-income families in Madison and surrounding counties for the past 28 years, as of June 2025. We currently provide food assistance to roughly 1,500 low-income families each month, distributing approximately 37,000 pounds of food within our community each month.

Our organization provides:

• food assistance through 6 food pantry programs
• assistance with clothing, household items, personal hygiene products, and other daily essentials, as available, through our thrift store voucher program
• a low-cost thrift store, open to the community
• referrals to community partners for assistance with other relief services

Qualifications:

Beacon of Hope (BoH) is seeking an individual, 21 years of age or older, who works hard, is organized, can think on their feet and enjoys working in a community-centered setting. The ideal candidate is someone who seeks to be actively involved in making a difference in their local community, is personable and able to maintain the long-time relationships Beacon of Hope has worked to establish with community members, including customers, clients, donors, volunteers and staff. Though work experience in a food pantry type environment would be helpful, it is not required.

We have a friendly atmosphere, where people work hard and enjoy their work. We have worked hard to create high standards for customer service and a safe space for all members of our community, along with high standards for the appearance and welcoming atmosphere of our HOP Headquarters.

Duties & Responsibilities:

- Must be able to operate a motor vehicle, possess a valid NC Driver’s License, have a clean driving record and pass a background check. Experience driving a 14’ box truck, or similar, is a plus.

As related to Beacon of Hope’s Food pantry Programs:

• Pick up food donations from local grocers, including Publix and ALDI
• Pick up milk boxes at Ingles in Weaverville
• Unload, weigh and record donations accurately at Beacon’s main campus (5111 US Hwy 25/70)
• Maintain open lines of communication with pantry staff & staff of grocers, donations & pickups
• Continue to build on long-time, well-established working relationships with grocer staff
• community outreach/engagement by serving as an ambassador for Beacon while out in the community and/or on-site at one of our three facilities

Assist with all HOP-related shopping:

• pick up online orders placed by HOP Management from Walmart, Ingles, and other grocers
• shop, in-person, for items at local grocers, shopping list will be provided by HOP management
• help load and unload orders on box truck
• receive deliveries and unbox/put them away
• pick and pack online orders, printed receipts will be provided by HOP management
• pack/assemble fruit and vegetables packages, as needed
• restock online order packing space, as needed
• break down boxes, take out the trash and recycling
• ensuring all foods are rotated using the FIFO (“first in, first out” system)

-Community outreach/engagement by serving as an ambassador for Beacon while out in the community and/or on-site at one of our three facilities

-Help to train, supervise and communicate with HOP Volunteers.

-Experience working with Google Workspace (including Gmail) platforms, familiarity with Weaverville ALDI store layout, a plus, but not required

We, at Beacon of Hope, work both independently and as a team. Beacon’s growth and prosperity, and thus the amount of good we can do for our Community, depends on all of us working together.

As such, all Beacon staff, regardless of job description, are expected to assist with fundraisers and are encouraged to participate in PR events.

Position Relationships:

• : HOP Program Manager and HOP Assistant Program Manager
• : HOP Program Volunteers, Next Gen Workers
• : Works closely with HOP Program Manager, HOP Assistant Program Manager, other HOP staff members, Beacon pantry staff, and Beacon’s Executive Director. Works with other Beacon staff and volunteers, though not on a daily basis. Will have direct contact with community members, as HOP families, on a daily basis and possibly with community agencies (ex. DSS, October Rd, Madison County Schools, etc). May also connect with various businesses, educational facilities and community members/organizations via Public Relations meetings/functions.

Skill Level

Mental Requirements: The ideal candidate is a hardworking, resourceful, honest, reliable, and a team-focused leader. Motivated, self-starter able to handle a variety of responsibilities and situations, expected to follow through on projects and initiatives. Working to maintain warmth, compassion, and understanding when interacting with ‘neighbors’, many of whom are living in crisis, struggling to have their basic needs met. Have a strong understanding of and interest in the mission and success of the HOP program and the inspiration/creativity to help the program continue to grow and thrive.

Physical Requirements: Requires walking, standing for long periods of time, and a good deal of heaving lifting during shift. Being able to bend, stoop and lift a minimum of 40 lbs, repeatedly. Climbing into and out of a box truck multiple times during shift. Lifting and carrying/transporting of boxed/bagged food items is required on a daily basis.

Relationship Requirements: Requires the ability to work with numerous people and personality styles, including staff, customers, volunteers, and the general public. Being able to work independently, yet willing to be a team player.

Responsibility Levels - Confidentiality Responsibility: Access to confidential information including, but not limited to, personal information, legal information, corporate information, etc.

Relationship with Others: Foster teamwork among co-workers. Readily assist others, participate in group problem solving and support group decisions. Actively facilitate collaborative efforts, encourage others’ points of view and build trust with co-workers. Handle correspondences in a timely manner.

Responsibility for Safety: Continuous caution is required to ensure safety of self and others.

Hours/Schedule: Part-time, to start, 16 hrs/wk- Monday and Wednesday, 8:00 am - 4pm, scheduled days and hours worked will increase with program growth.

Salary: To start, $18/hour, to be paid twice monthly via direct deposit.

Benefits include: Paid holidays (prorated based on hours worked) & a 25% discount in Beacon Thrift Store.

Supervisor: HOP Program Manager and HOP Assistant Program Manager

Start Date: As soon as position is filled

To apply: Please send cover letter, resume and complete Beacon of Hope job application to Director@bohmarshall.org

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $18.00 per hour

Expected hours: No less than 16 per week

Benefits:

• Employee discount

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift

Shift:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift

Ability to Commute:

• Marshall, NC 28753 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Marshall, NC 28753: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18