Open Opportunities From: Second Harvest Heartland Volunteer Central

At our Brooklyn Park Volunteer Center, volunteers assist with sorting, labeling, weighing and packing various food items to meet immediate needs and help feed our hungry neighbors. The projects vary from day to day and volunteers regularly work with fresh produce, dry goods, bread, and other food donations. This volunteer position requires volunteers to be able to twist and bend down, stand for the duration of their shift, and lift up to 5 pounds. Some positions require the ability to lift 40 pounds. We do have a limited number of seated positions available; please let us know if you need accommodations.

To learn how to register a group, click HERE!

For groups with youth (Ages 8-17), click HERE!

Dress Code:

Shirts must cover the shoulders, armpits, and bellies (no tank tops or crop tops) for food safety purposes. Shorts are okay to wear. Closed-toe shoes are required. If you forget we will ask you to wear a set of disposable socks and slip-on clogs. Wear comfortable clothing that you don't mind getting dirty. We suggest you dress in layers to remain comfortable while working as temperature can fluctuate. No jewelry. You will be asked to remove all watches, fit bits, earrings, rings, bracelets, necklaces and other jewelry items. It is almost impossible to get back a jewelry item that is lost in the repack process.

Lockers are available on-site to store belongings and we provide jewelry bags for small items.

Volunteers are asked to arrive at least 10 minutes early to check in, store belongings, and be ready for the prompt start of the shift. Late arrivals will miss essential safety information and may need to reschedule.

If you have any questions, please email volunteer@2harvest.org. 

Overview

Volunteers will work in our food-safe temperature controlled clean room next to our main Volunteer Center space. Small volunteer groups will repackage ready-to-eat frozen bulk items like meat and fruits & vegetables into smaller family-friendly portions. To ensure food-safety standards, the temperature of the clean room will be kept at a cool 42°. 

What you’ll do:

Seal product into new packaging Sort, pack, and label products Count and/or weigh products Inspect product quality Palletize finished boxes Assist with clean-up of work area as needed (sweeping, sanitizing, etc.)

What’s in it for you: 

Hands-on food insecurity experience at one of the largest Feeding America food banks Networking opportunities & educational events Resume builder

What you’re committing to:

Ability to stand, bend, and twist for the duration of each shift Following special safety guidelines, including wearing smocks, shoe covers, hairnets and gloves Adhering to food safety and warehouse guidelines at all times Being comfortable in a cool 42°F environment for the duration of the shift  - It is highly recommended to dress in layers or a warm coat and winter hat! 

When and where you’ll volunteer:

Volunteer Location: 7101 Winnetka Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55428 Days of the week: Mondays Time of day: 9:00am – 11:00am or 12:30pm – 2:30pm

What’s Next?

To Register: Click "Respond” next to the shift you would like to the shift(s) that work for your schedule and submit your response.  You will receive an automated email confirming your registration.

Pro Bono volunteerism is the donation of professional skills to nonprofits, partnering on short-term, strategic projects that build capacity. Professional skills include, but aren't limited to:

Process mappingWorkflow improvementIT applications, specifically ServiceNowStrategic PlanningMarket research Employee training and skills-buildingGraphic DesignVideography

At Second Harvest Heartland, we have pro bono projects available on a rolling basis. Projects range from a few hours to multi-month investments. If you'd like to stay informed about projects that become available, please hit "respond" to this opportunity!

Please note filling out this form will add you to our database of potential volunteers. You will not be contacted unless we have a potential project or a pro bono interest session.

Interested in office admin projects (Computer-based, filing, phone calls, etc)? Fill out this form as well! We'd love to add you to our database of potential volunteers. 

Hunger is a solveable issue. Together, we can Make Hunger History in the state of Minnesota

What You’ll Do 

For many neighbors facing chronic health conditions or aging challenges, the choice between housing, medication, or healthy food is a harsh reality. Our innovative FOODRx and Senior Hunger (CSFP) programs ensure this choice doesn't have to be made by delivering medically tailored or nutritious food boxes directly to those impacted by hunger.  

You will pick up 5–10 boxes from our partner site on the East Side of the Twin Cities, use a predetermined route to deliver them, and follow specific instructions (like calling the client upon arrival). This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys driving, following specific instructions, and providing direct, essential support to seniors and those with chronic health conditions in the East Twin Cities Area. 

What You Need 

Use your own reliable vehicle (hatchback or larger recommended for box capacity).  Valid driver's license and car insurance.  Willingness to pick up and complete all deliveries on the same day. 

Physical Demands & Environment 

Requires consistent lifting and carrying 30+ pound boxes.  Requires getting in and out of a vehicle repeatedly.  The work environment involves warehouse/loading area and residential delivery sites. 

Schedule and Flexibility 

Frequency: Bi-weekly  Duration: Minimum of 12 months  Commitment: Must be able to deliver Tuesday-Thursday between 9am-3pm. Ideally delivering on the same day each month.Location:   Initial Visit: Volunteers will need to come onsite to our Brooklyn Park Location (7101 Winnetka Ave N) for orientation and to pick up their first delivery  Future Deliveries: All future pick-ups and deliveries will take place at an SHH partner site within the East Side of the Twin Cities. 

Training and Support 

We’ll provide onboarding to help you feel confident in your role.  You’ll be trained and supported by our Neighbor Services Operations Staff 

Communication 

Most communication will take place via email.  Volunteers will communicate openly with staff regarding deliveries and provide feedback  Open lines of communication for questions and feedback. 

Next Steps: 

Click "Respond” and complete the required questions. Someone from Second Harvest Heartland will contact you about next steps. 

Second Harvest Heartland conducts background checks and Motor Vehicle Record Checks on all volunteers in this position. We reserve the right to decline a volunteer, or dismiss a current volunteer, based on the results of these checks.

What You’ll Do:   

Through our Senior Hunger Program, Second Harvest Heartland provides a box of nutritious food each month to low-income seniors 60 years and over. Volunteers in this role provide excellent customer service to our seniors and work alongside other volunteers to ensure the distribution runs smoothly, helping us deliver nutritious food to more seniors at risk of hunger. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys providing direct customer service and hands-on, active work.   

What You Need:   

Ability to interact patiently and with empathy with participants from diverse backgrounds. Commitment to providing excellent customer service.  Dependability and reliability.  Ability to lift and load 35+ pound boxes of groceries.  Mindset of listening, learning, and growth.     

Physical Demands & Environment:   

Ability to lift and load 35+ pound boxes of groceries. Ability to stand and move around for the duration of your shiftRole requires hands-on activity, including assisting with set up and food pick up.  Role involves direct interaction with participants.

Schedule and Flexibility:

Frequency: Once Monthly: 2nd Monday of the monthDuration: 1pm - 6pm (distribution slows down around 3:30 - depending on need there may be months where you are able to leave before 6pm)Commitment: minimum of 12 months  Location: 3080 Centerville Rd, Little Canada, MN 55117

Training and Support: 

We’ll provide onboarding to help you feel confident in your role   You’ll be trained and supported by our CSFP Site Coordinator

Communication: 

Most communication will take place via email    Volunteers will receive regular updates and instructions from their volunteer supervisor  Open lines of communication for questions and feedback     

Next Steps:    

Click "Respond” and complete the required questions. Someone from Second Harvest Heartland will contact you to schedule a fit discussion.       

Second Harvest Heartland conducts background checks on all volunteers in this position. We reserve the right to decline a volunteer, or dismiss a current volunteer, based on the results of the background check.