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.

Please plan to arrive 10-15 minutes prior to your shift start time in order to get checked in and store your personal belongings. We start our shifts promptly to make every minute count! The first few minutes of the shift include important information about Second Harvest Heartland and mandatory personal safety and food safety information so please be on time!

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

Overview

Second Harvest Heartland is committed to expanding partnerships and increasing access to protein for clients. We operate a temperature controlled-clean room to repack high-need protein donations. We are one of only four food banks in the nation to undergo the rigorous USDA certification process to be able to intake this important donation stream. 

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.

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!