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.
PRISM
Volunteer Opportunity | Position Title: Food Shelf Volunteer
Location: PRISM – Golden Valley, MN
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: 9 AM–12:30 PM, 12:30 PM – 4 PM
- Thursday: 9 AM–12:30 PM, 12:30 PM – 4 PM, 4 – 7 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. Our mission is to provide social services and connections that empower people in our community to build healthy, stable lives.
Core Values: Collaboration • Innovation • Dignity • Accountability
We are most known for our Marketplace Food Shelf, which serves 120–150+ families every day—no appointment or zip code restrictions required. We are fueled by the generosity of our community and the dedication of volunteers who make our mission possible.
Position Summary: Food Shelf Volunteer
Food Shelf Volunteers are essential to PRISM’s mission of ensuring dignified food access for all. Volunteers support the flow of food from our warehouse to our shelves, helping create a clean, accessible, and welcoming environment for participants. This role involves sorting donations, stocking shelves, assembling produce, and supporting overall warehouse operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Unpack, sort, and shelve food donations by category and expiration date
- Ensure products are accessible, well-organized, and presentable for participants
- Assemble produce boxes and prepare perishable items for distribution
- Take out compost, recycling, and trash as needed
- Assist with receiving and stocking food rescue and bulk deliveries
- Contribute to a respectful, participant-centered shopping experience
Where Our Food Comes From
PRISM’s food is sourced from:
- Individual donors, Food drives hosted by community partners, Grocery store food rescues, Purchased goods from Second Harvest Heartland, a regional food bank
Desired Qualities
- Comfortable with physical tasks (e.g., standing, lifting, bending, moving inventory)
- Organized, reliable, and detail-oriented; Able to work independently or collaboratively
- Friendly and respectful to individuals from diverse backgrounds
- Spanish, Russian, Ukrainian, or Somali language skills are a plus but not required
Training & Supervision
- All volunteers attend a general PRISM Volunteer Orientation
- After orientation, new Food Shelf volunteers are introduced to the space and trained by either experienced volunteers or members of the Logistics team
- This position is officially supervised by PRISM’s Program Director, with additional guidance from the Volunteer Manager
- Day-to-day collaboration and support are primarily provided by PRISM’s Logistics staff, who work closely with Food Shelf volunteers during all shifts
Benefits of Volunteering
- Play a key role in fighting food insecurity in our community
- Gain hands-on experience in food distribution and nonprofit service
- Be part of a mission-driven and welcoming volunteer team
- Opportunities to stay active, give back, and connect with others
- Satisfy community service or school volunteer hours
How to Apply
Ready to get started? Contact us today!
Liam Boris, Volunteer Manager, PRISM
