Food shelf visits in Minnesota have surged to record levels.
This dramatic increase reflects the growing strain on households as food costs
remain high and critical safety-net programs face uncertainty. In recent years,
as changes and challenges to SNAP benefits and other federal supports
were debated and implemented, food shelves experienced ripple effects, with an
even greater number of neighbors turning to charitable food assistance to
fill widening gaps.Purpose, Impact & Opportunities:
Project Managers support FFEN’s Process Improvement services by guiding food shelf projects from initiation through close. Using project management and change management skills, they help ensure projects stay on track, engage the right expertise at the right time, and center the shopper experience throughout the process. This role translates complex operational and space-design needs into clear, achievable plans that result in welcoming, efficient food shelf environments.
Minnesota’s food shelves—many of them volunteer-run—often lack the capacity to manage large-scale changes. In this role, you’ll use your skills to define project scope, including timelines, milestones, budget, and required expertise. You’ll provide critical coordination and support to keep projects moving forward while ensuring solutions reflect each food shelf’s unique needs. Your work will help elevate the voice and experience of shoppers in service design and delivery.
As a volunteer, you will:
- Contribute to a mission-driven organization supporting the sustainability of Minnesota’s food shelves
- Build meaningful relationships with partners across nonprofit, for-profit, and public sectors
- Gain insight into the complexities of hunger relief and food access systems
- Develop skills in project management, organizational change, supply chain, and food shelf operations
You’ll collaborate closely with FFEN staff and fellow volunteers who are passionate about food access, problem-solving, and continuous learning. FFEN’s culture is curious, caring, and community-minded—balancing strong technical expertise with a relational and supportive approach.
Role Responsibilities
- Project Management & Planning: Lead projects from initiation to close, developing project charters, plans, and timelines while tracking progress and managing risks.
- Process Facilitation: Facilitate key meetings, site visits, and project closeout activities following FFEN’s process.
- Subject Matter Expert Support: Coordinate with layout designers and other subject matter experts, support site assessments, and manage reviews and final handoffs of deliverables.
- Stakeholder Management: Build relationships with food shelves and partners, ensuring clear communication and supporting change management.
- Communication & Documentation: Share meeting recaps, provide regular updates, and complete final project summaries.
Support & Resources
- Project management guide and templates
- Monthly meetings with fellow volunteers
- FFEN staff support, including regular online check-ins as needed
Skills & Requirements
- Experience in project management, operations, or related coordination roles
- Strong facilitation, organization, and communication skills ●
- Comfort managing multiple stakeholders and supporting change across diverse communities
- Proficiency with Zoom, email, Google Suite, and project management tools
- Curiosity, flexibility, patience, and a collaborative mindset
To Apply
Send your resume to: volunteer@ffen.org
