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.Volunteer Job Description: Shop for Change Volunteer
Front End Shifts:
- Monday–Friday: 9 AM–1 PM, 1–5 PM
- Thursday: 5–7 PM | Saturday: 9 AM–12 PM, 12–3 PM
Back End Shifts:
- Monday–Friday: 9 AM–12 PM, 1–4 PM
- Thursday: 5–7 PM | Saturday: 10 AM–2 PM
About PRISM
PRISM (People Responding In Social Ministry) is a nonprofit social service agency providing food, clothing, housing assistance, case management, and children’s programs to individuals and families in need.
Mission: To provide social services and
connections that empower people in our community to build healthy, stable
lives.
Core Values: Collaboration • Innovation • Dignity • Accountability
PRISM’s Shop for Change Thrift Store is a unique social enterprise. Every purchase supports PRISM’s programs, raising critical funds that go directly back into our work providing food, housing, and resources for local families.
Position Summary: Shop for Change Volunteer
Shop for Change Volunteers play a key role in creating a welcoming, organized, and successful thrift store environment. Volunteers can serve in front-end roles (customer service and sales) or back-end roles (sorting, processing, and preparing items for sale).
This position is perfect for volunteers who enjoy interacting with the community, working on a team, and supporting PRISM’s mission through hands-on retail operations.
Key Responsibilities
Front End (Customer-Facing):
- Welcome and assist customers with kindness and respect
- Operate cash register and handle sales transactions
- Keep racks, shelves, and displays neat and organized
- Contribute to a clean, positive shopping environment
Back End (Processing & Merchandising):
- Sort and organize donated items
- Process, hang, and price clothing and household goods
- Assist with maintaining an orderly and safe work area
- Support overall store operations behind the scenes
Training & Supervision
- All volunteers attend a PRISM Volunteer Orientation
- On-the-job training provided by Shop for Change staff and experienced volunteers
- Supervised by PRISM’s Director of Thrift and Shop Manager with support from the Volunteer Manager
- Day-to-day guidance provided by Shop for Change team members
How to Apply
Ready to join our Shop for Change team? Contact us today!
Liam Boris, Volunteer Manager – PRISM
