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 Dec 24-25 and Jan 1. 

The Volunteer Center will be closed from Dec 24- Jan 4. 

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

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

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 Wednesday of the monthDuration: 1.25 hour per shift (1:45 - 3:00pm)Commitment: minimum of 12 months  Location: Parker Skyview, 1815 Central Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418

Training and Support: 

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

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.

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 Wednesday of the monthDuration: 1 hour per shift (9:45 - 10:45am)Commitment: minimum of 12 months  Location: Lyndale Manor, 600 18th Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55411

Training and Support: 

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

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.