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 Monday, February 16.

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.

Event Overview: 

Join Second Harvest Heartland as a volunteer for the 17th annual End Hunger Together Radiothon, hosted by News Talk 830 WCCO! On Tuesday, February 3 at Second Harvest Heartland’s Brooklyn Park facility, phone lines will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. to raise funds for hunger relief. Volunteers are needed to answer phones and process donations during the event.   

Your Shift Host: 

Vineeta Sawkar brings you the day's most important and impactful news stories, talks with the newsmakers and influencers we need to hear from, and brightens your day with fun anecdotes and stories along the way. Add in the latest weather, traffic, and sports…it’s the best way to start the day!  

What You’ll Do: 

As the voice of Second Harvest Heartland, you will connect directly with our neighbors via the phone to share more about our mission and accurately process monetary contributions. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys making a direct impact, connecting with enthusiastic donors, and being part of the fast-paced, high-energy success of a major event. 

What You Need:

Must be 18 years of age or older     Proficiency in data entry     Comfortable talking over the phone and collecting donation information     Punctual and dependable commitment to the full shift duration 

Physical Demands & Environment 

Sitting for the duration of the shift  Typing and data entry  Talking on the phone  Office setting with moderate noise level  Potential for short periods of downtime (volunteers may bring a book or quiet activity) 

Training and Support : 

You’ll be trained and supported by SHH staff on the day of the event  Pre-event resources (including training video and guide) will be provided at least one week prior to your shift 

Shift Logistics:

Date: February 3rd, 2026  Time: 5:45 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.Location: 7101 Winnetka Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55428   

Event Overview: 

Join Second Harvest Heartland as a volunteer for the 17th annual End Hunger Together Radiothon, hosted by News Talk 830 WCCO! On Tuesday, February 3 at Second Harvest Heartland’s Brooklyn Park facility, phone lines will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. to raise funds for hunger relief. Volunteers are needed to answer phones and process donations during the event.   

Your Shift Host: 

Coming at the news of the day from very different perspectives, Adam Carter and Jordana Green have candid, fun, and sometimes serious conversations about current events along with all the other daily things that impact Minnesotans.  

What You’ll Do: 

As the voice of Second Harvest Heartland, you will connect directly with our neighbors via the phone to share more about our mission and accurately process monetary contributions. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys making a direct impact, connecting with enthusiastic donors, and being part of the fast-paced, high-energy success of a major event. 

What You Need: 

Must be 18 years of age or older     Proficiency in data entry     Comfortable talking over the phone and collecting donation information     Punctual and dependable commitment to the full shift duration 

Physical Demands & Environment: 

Sitting for the duration of the shift  Typing and data entry  Talking on the phone  Office setting with moderate noise level  Potential for short periods of downtime (volunteers may bring a book or quiet activity) 

Training and Support: 

You’ll be trained and supported by SHH staff on the day of the event  Pre-event resources (including training video and guide) will be provided at least one week prior to your shift 

Shift Logistics: 

Date: February 3rd, 2026  Time: 8:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.Location: 7101 Winnetka Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55428

Event Overview: 

Join Second Harvest Heartland as a volunteer for the 17th annual End Hunger Together Radiothon, hosted by News Talk 830 WCCO! On Tuesday, February 3 at Second Harvest Heartland’s Brooklyn Park facility, phone lines will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. to raise funds for hunger relief. Volunteers are needed to answer phones and process donations during the event.

Your Shift Host:

A veteran of the radio scene in the Twin Cities, Chad Hartman is known for his work in sports, including as the one-time play-by-play voice of the Minnesota Timberwolves. But he’s also known for his knowledge of the issues, which makes him one of the best interviewers in the business.

What You’ll Do: 

As the voice of Second Harvest Heartland, you will connect directly with our neighbors via the phone to share more about our mission and accurately process monetary contributions. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys making a direct impact, connecting with enthusiastic donors, and being part of the fast-paced, high-energy success of a major event. 

What You Need: 

Must be 18 years of age or older     Proficiency in data entry     Comfortable talking over the phone and collecting donation information     Punctual and dependable commitment to the full shift duration 

Physical Demands & Environment: 

Sitting for the duration of the shift  Typing and data entry  Talking on the phone  Office setting with moderate noise level  Potential for short periods of downtime (volunteers may bring a book or quiet activity) 

Training and Support: 

You’ll be trained and supported by SHH staff on the day of the event  Pre-event resources (including training video and guide) will be provided at least one week prior to your shift 

Shift Logistics: 

Date: February 3rd, 2026  Time: 12:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.  Location: 7101 Winnetka Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55428

Event Overview: 

Join Second Harvest Heartland as a volunteer for the 17th annual End Hunger Together Radiothon, hosted by News Talk 830 WCCO! On Tuesday, February 3 at Second Harvest Heartland’s Brooklyn Park facility, phone lines will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. to raise funds for hunger relief. Volunteers are needed to answer phones and process donations during the event.

Your Shift Host:

Get caught up on the day's headlines through Jason DeRusha's unique lens. News-making guests on the biggest stories, engaging topics for fans to call in and participate with, and Jason's commentary, humor and perspective on life, family, and especially the food scene in the Twin Cities.

What You’ll Do: 

As the voice of Second Harvest Heartland, you will connect directly with our neighbors via the phone to share more about our mission and accurately process monetary contributions. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys making a direct impact, connecting with enthusiastic donors, and being part of the fast-paced, high-energy success of a major event. 

What You Need: 

Must be 18 years of age or older     Proficiency in data entry     Comfortable talking over the phone and collecting donation information     Punctual and dependable commitment to the full shift duration 

Physical Demands & Environment: 

Sitting for the duration of the shift  Typing and data entry  Talking on the phone  Office setting with moderate noise level  Potential for short periods of downtime (volunteers may bring a book or quiet activity) 

Training and Support: 

You’ll be trained and supported by SHH staff on the day of the event Pre-event resources (including training video and guide) will be provided at least one week prior to your shift 

Shift Logistics: 

Date: February 3rd, 2026  Time: 3:15 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.  Location: 7101 Winnetka Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55428

We're on a journey to Make Hunger History in the state of Minnesota by cutting hunger in half by 2030. Help make this a reality by joining us as a pro bono volunteer!

Project Overview: 

At Second Harvest Heartland, we are committed to investing in staff wellbeing. 

As part of an ongoing focus on wellness and mental health, we are hoping to offer one-hour staff trainings in the months of March and April in partnership with the Director of Talent and Culture. 

Our ideal pro bono volunteer would bring expertise on curriculum development and delivery in one of the following areas:

Stress management/burnout prevention Resilience Managing Emotions Work-life balance Mindfulness and FocusOther topics related to mental health and wellness

This pro bono volunteer is committing to developing or modifying existing training to fit Second Harvest Heartland culture and facilitate a one-hour session in March or April on a date identified with the Director of Talent and Culture. 

If you are passionate about the wellbeing of others and supporting non-profit professionals, this opportunity is for you!

Skills needed & previous experience desired: 

Background in mental health, wellbeing, or wellness Comfortable facilitating an online, in-person, or hybrid training for up to 60 staff Ability to work independently and collaboratively 

Resources required:

Laptop or desktop computer

Deliverable: 

1 session of a 1-hour wellness or mental health training 

 

Estimated time commitment: 20 hours over the course of 4-6 weeks

Project start date: ASAP

Work site: Hybrid- a mix of remote and onsite at our Brooklyn Park facility 

To Express Interest: Hit “respond” to the opportunity   

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!

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 datbase 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.