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.Help us reduce food waste while simultaneously removing barriers to food access for hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans. By donating your time, you are streamlining the food rescue process, making it possible to repurpose this event’s wholesome food into free meals for our friends, families, and neighbors across Minnesota. Thank you for joining us in our mission to serve anyone in need with no questions asked.
WHEN: August 7th, 2024
WHERE: Minneapolis Convention Center. Located at 1301 2nd Ave S. Minneapolis, MN 55404
PARKING: Plaza Municipal Parking Ramp-117 S 12th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55403. Located across the street from the MCC/connected via skyway.
The entrance to this garage is located on the right side of S 12th St, between Marquette Ave S and 2nd Ave S. Look for a blue sign with an encircled white “P” and a green sign that reads “Plaza Parking Entrance” in white. Enter the ramp to the right of a brown concrete sign that reads “Public Parking” and “Welcome To The Minneapolis Convention Center” in white.
MCC ENTRY: Plaza Parking Ramp entry to MCC. The UNFI Holiday and Winter Show is held in the main exhibit room. At the door, indicate that you are volunteering with Loaves & Fishes for the Food Rescue.
Volunteer Shifts All shifts highlighted below will have multiple opportunities including staging products for food rescue, creating/sealing boxes for transport, and assisting the team in wrapping pallets. No experience is necessary. A few opportunities require frequent lifting and carrying up to 20 pounds, walking, reaching, pushing, pulling, kneeling, squatting, bending, and standing. Simply communicate your area of preference to the volunteer shift lead upon arrival.
Staging Products: Pulling food products off grocery-style shelving and placing them into boxes
Creating Boxes for Transport: Ensuring each box is full in a crate/cardboard box and carrying boxes to pallets ready for loading
Wrapping Pallets/Packing Trucks: Assisting team to wrap pallets, ensuring pallets are ready for transport onto trucks
Check-In security will call event security for clearance or alternatively you can call Loaves & Fishes point of contact Kiley Benson (763) 354-9617 or Angie Ayala (763) 746-6747.
