Volunteer Opportunity: Summer Produce
Distribution Groups
Location: PRISM, 1220 Zane Avenue North, Golden Valley, MN, 55422
When: Select Tuesdays, June through October | Shifts Available: 12:30
– 4:30 pm Supervised
by: Logistics Staff and Volunteer Manager
About
PRISM
PRISM is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide social services
and connections that empower individuals and families in our communities to
build healthy, stable lives. We are guided by our values of collaboration,
innovation, dignity, and accountability.
Position
Overview
PRISM’s Summer Produce Distribution provides fresh, healthy produce to over 200
families every Tuesday afternoon during the summer months. The event is held in
an indoor farmer's market-like environment, where community members come to
receive fresh fruits and vegetables. The distribution is open to anyone
in the community, with no zip code/residence or income requirements.
We are seeking enthusiastic volunteers to support our efforts and help us continue to make this event a success. Volunteer groups of 15-20 people are needed for each distribution day. We can also accommodate 2-3 smaller groups in lieu of one large group. Volunteers will assist in all aspects of the event, from set-up to breakdown, and help create a welcoming atmosphere for participants.
2026 Summer Produce Distribution Dates:
- June 16th, 2026 | July 7, 21, 2026 | August 4, 18, 2026
- September 15, 2026 | October 6, 20, 2026
Schedule for Volunteer Shifts:
- 12:30 - 1:00 pm: Arrival and Orientation
- 1:00 – 2:00 pm: Set-Up and Preparation
- 2:00 - 4:00 pm: Produce Distribution Program
- 4:00 – 4:30 pm: Break Down and Close-Out
Volunteer Responsibilities:
- Assist with setup and breakdown: Help prepare the outdoor space before the event begins and assist with cleaning up once it concludes.
- Distribute produce: Support participants in selecting fresh produce, ensuring that each family receives a fair share.
- Lift and transport produce: Volunteers will assist with moving boxes of produce, so the ability to lift (up to 50 lbs) and walk long distances is required.
- Check-Out Assistance: Assist participants in carrying their produce to their cars, helping unload groceries, and walking carts back.
- Work as part of a team: Collaborate with other volunteers and staff to ensure smooth operations.
- Language support: If you speak Spanish, Russian, Ukrainian, or Somali, your language skills would be greatly appreciated, as many of our households communicate in these languages.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to lift and carry boxes weighing up to 25 lbs., Willingness to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Comfortable walking, standing, and moving throughout the event.
Volunteer Benefits:
- Make a meaningful impact by helping local families access fresh produce.
- Support is a cause that values dignity and empowerment in the community.
Who
Should Volunteer?
This opportunity is ideal for businesses, faith groups, or other community
organizations that want to give back. If you’re passionate about helping
others, enjoy working outdoors, and are comfortable with physical activity, we
encourage you to volunteer!
How to
Volunteer:
To express interest, please contact Liam Boris, Volunteer Manager, at volunteer@prismmpls.org. We look forward to
having you join our efforts to make a difference in the lives of families in
the Minneapolis-St. Paul community!
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.