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. 

Second Harvest Heartland will be closed on Friday, October 17.

Overview

To ensure food-safety standards, the temperature of the clean room will be kept at a cool 42°. Shifts may include sorting and boxing packaged frozen protein or repackaging ready-to-eat bulk protein into smaller family-friendly portions. Ready-to-eat protein consists of frozen meat items that do not require additional cooking prior to consumption like deli meats and items that require reheating for palatability like chicken nuggets. 

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.

Join Us for the Tenth Annual Pack to the Max!

Be part of something special and help make a meaningful impact in our community. Pack to the Max is all about raising awareness of hunger related issues and providing essential meals to our neighbors.

Volunteer shifts will begin at 6 AM with the last one concluding at 8 PM. Every helping hand makes a difference.

Enjoy a day filled with:

Music Prize drawings Refreshments

After your shift, unwind in the Welcome Center with well-deserved treats and great company.

Ready to Pack to the Max? Sign up to volunteer today!

Program Overview

For many Minnesotans, aging and/or chronic health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease means making difficult choices – housing, medication, or healthy foods?  At Second Harvest Heartland our innovate FOODRx and Senior Hunger programs work to ensure this difficult choice does not have to be made.  We are all in this together and with your partnership we can deliver nutritious food directly to those impacted by hunger.

Seniors enrolled in the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) receive a monthly food box, which helps them channel precious financial resources toward urgent expenses like medicine and utilities instead of groceries.

Individuals enrolled in the FOODRx program receive nutrition boxes that are medically tailored and culturally connected to each individual, complete with recipe cards and educational materials.

What you’ll do:

Pick up CSFP and/or FOODRx boxes from our Brooklyn Park Facility Use a predetermined route to deliver each box Communicate openly with staff regarding deliveries

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:

Providing open and honest feedback Deliveries to 5-6 locations once monthly, or more depending on availability, for a minimum of 12 months Using your own vehicle for deliveries – recommended to have a hatchback or larger to accommodate boxes

When and where you’ll volunteer:

Volunteer Location: Pick-up boxes at our Brooklyn Park facility, delivery to Minneapolis & St. Paul Days of the week: Flexible, pick ups must happen on weekdays Time of day: Pick up must happen between 9am and 4pm; Deliveries must happen the same day

What’s Next?

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

 

Second Harvest Heartland conducts background 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 the background or motor vehicle record check.

 

Program Overview

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 will pick up clients’ CSFP boxes at Guardian Angels Senior Housing in Zimmerman and deliver them to their homes. We are all in this together and with your partnership we can deliver nutritious food to more seniors at risk of hunger.

What you’ll do:

Pick up paperwork and food box at Guardian Angels Senior Housing in Elk River Deliver food to clients in Zimmerman Assure client completes Signature Log Sheet each month, and return paperwork to SHH

What’s in it for you: 

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

What you’re committing to:

Once monthly for a minimum of 12 months Using your own vehicle for deliveries Ability to lift and carry up to 35+ pounds Providing excellent customer service Being dependable and reliable Having the ability to interact patiently and with empathy with participants from diverse backgrounds

When and where will you volunteer:

Volunteer Location: Guardian Angel Senior Services, Zimmerman MN Days of the week: 3rd Monday of the month Time of day: 2:00pm

What’s Next?

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

Second Harvest Heartland conducts background 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 the background or motor vehicle record check.

Program Overview

We are seeking a dedicated and skilled ServiceNow Developer to join our team as a volunteer. In this role, you will support our organization by developing and maintaining our ServiceNow platform, ensuring it meets our operational needs and enhances our service delivery.

What you’ll do:

Collaboration: Work closely with other IT team members and stakeholders to understand and address their needs.Develop and Customize: Design, develop, and customize ServiceNow applications and modules to meet the organization's requirements.Integration: Integrate ServiceNow with other systems and tools used by the organization.Documentation: Create and maintain documentation for configurations and integrations.

What’s in it for you: 

Skill Development: Enhance your technical skills and gain hands-on experience with the ServiceNow platform.Networking: Connect with professionals in the IT and nonprofit sectors.Impact: Contribute to a meaningful cause and help improve organizational efficiency.Flexibility: Enjoy a flexible schedule that allows you to balance volunteering with other commitments.Professional Growth: Gain valuable experience that can enhance your resume and career prospects.Community Engagement: Be part of a supportive community of volunteers and staff working towards a common goal.

What you’re committing to:

Time: Commit to 5-10 hours a month, with flexibility to accommodate your schedule. Projects will be completed over the next 6 months Reliability: Be dependable and consistent in your volunteer hours and responsibilities. Communication: Maintain open and regular communication with the team and provide updates on your progress. Professionalism: Uphold the organization's values and maintain a professional demeanor in all interactions.  

When and where you’ll volunteer:

Volunteer Location: RemoteDays of the week: Flexible – weekday availability required between 8am-4:30pmTime of day: Flexible – daytime availability required

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.

What You’ll Do 

The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) provides a monthly box of highly nutritious food to income-eligible seniors. At Second Harvest Heartland, we offer a free, direct-to-home delivery service for participants who can't pick up their box in person.  

We are consolidating our delivery model and need support calling over 200 participants to inform them of changes to their delivery day, window, and date. You will be instrumental in ensuring a smooth transition by updating client contact and delivery information, reminding seniors of pickup times, answering questions, and performing occasional clerical tasks. Once the transition is complete, you will continue to support the program by making weekly phone call reminders to participating seniors. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys connecting directly with people and performing detailed administrative work that supports seniors. 

What You Need 

Exceptional customer service skills and comfort assisting people of diverse economic, social, and ethnic backgrounds.  Ability to accurately multitask; specifically, talking on the phone while accurately entering information into the computer.  Highly respectful of client confidentiality.  Basic computer proficiency, including accurate typing and knowledge of Microsoft Outlook (email), with the ability to learn new database and online mapping tools.  Proven reliability, punctuality, and accountability. 

Physical Demands & Environment 

The work is phone and computer intensive and requires constant use of both.  Requires sitting for the entire shift duration.  Work takes place in an office setting at the Brooklyn Park location.  The noise level is typical for an administrative/call environment.   

Schedule and Flexibility 

Frequency: 3 hours per week  Duration: 9am – 12pm (Monday or Friday)  Commitment: Minimum of 6 months  Location: 7101 Winnetka Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55428  

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 Team.  You will learn and use necessary computer programs, including Microsoft Outlook, online maps, and a client database, to manage participant information. 

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.

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-building

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!

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