Opportunities From: HandsOn Twin Cities

For more than 40 years, Loaves & Fishes has been committed to providing meals with dignity to those in need. As Minnesota’s largest free restaurant, we continue to serve where hunger lives—with the help of caring volunteers like you.

We’re currently welcoming individuals and small groups to volunteer at our St. Matthew’s Church meal site (Monday–Friday afternoons and evenings). This location offers hybrid service—both indoor dining and to-go meals. No experience necessary! Our friendly site coordinator will be there to guide you through the process.

Volunteer Roles Include:

Cooking & Meal Prep
Assist in preparing a pre-planned meal and packaging it for service, under the direction of our site coordinator.

Serving & Cleanup
Help distribute meals to guests (both dine-in and to-go), wash dishes, and assist with cleanup during and after the meal.

What We Provide & What to Wear:
We provide gloves and aprons. Don’t have a hat? We’ll supply a hairnet. Please wear closed-toe shoes and clothing with sleeves that cover your shoulders.

Ready to join us?
Choose a date that works for you and sign up here: https://volunteer.bloomerang.co:443/JE/sn85yp14q9vcal

For over 40 years, Loaves & Fishes has gone where the hunger is. As Minnesota’s largest free restaurant, we remain deeply committed to serving healthy, dignified meals to those in need—while ensuring the safety of our guests, volunteers, donors, and staff. Most of our meals are currently served to-go style across our various meal sites.

We’re looking for individuals and small groups to help us prepare and serve meals throughout the Twin Cities. No experience is necessary—our supportive site coordinators will guide you through everything you need to know.

There are multiple meal sites throughout the Twin Cities

Cooking & Meal Prep
Assist with preparing a pre-planned meal and help package it for distribution.

Serving & Cleanup
Package and hand out meals, assist with dishes, and help clean up during and after the meal period.

Located in Minneapolis, our Commissary Kitchen supports all of our meal sites by preparing bulk food and meals for distribution. Volunteers here also do not need prior experience.

Food Prep & Packaging
Assist with preparing ingredients and packaging meals—note that some tasks may involve working with raw meat.

We provide gloves and aprons. If you don’t have a hat, we’ll supply a hairnet. Please wear:

Closed-toe shoes (no sandals)

Clean clothes with sleeves that cover the shoulders

The Open Door pantry provides access to fresh, healthy food by bringing food directly into neighborhoods who need it the most. Volunteers are needed to set up these distributions and assist clients in selecting their groceries.

We host distributions throughout the month at various locations: 

If interested, fill out our Volunteer Application, please reach out to Volunteer Services at volunteer@theopendoorpantry.org for more information. 

The Open Door is a hunger relief organization dedicated to ending local hunger through access to healthy food. Through its collective programs, The Open Door serves more than 20,000 Dakota County residents each month, and distributes over 5 million pounds of food annually-70% of which is fresh and/or perishable. Clients are able to access healthy food choices through a fixed-site food pantry in Eagan, multiple Mobile Pantry sites, the Mobile Lunch Box, and the Garden To Table program.

Position Summary:

Warehouse Assistants ensure dry goods and perishable items in the pantry are well stocked. They will also help pull items for offsite distributions, accept and sort incoming donations, and assist with the general upkeep of the warehouse area.

Primary Duties and Essential Responsibilities:

• Ensure store is well stocked with perishable and nonperishable foods prior to the start of client appointments .

• Accept and sort incoming donations.

• During store hours, pull dry goods from the warehouse for Pantry Assistants to stock shelves

• Ensure warehouse is clean and organized.

• Restock refrigerated perishable items during store hours

• Unload dry good pallets

• Accept and repackage incoming Garden to Table produce

• Mop and sweep floors 15 minutes prior to store open

Skills and Qualifications:

• Must be 16+ years of age unless accompanied by an adult

• Ability to stand on feet for up to 3 hours

• Must be ok working in varying temperatures since this role will require working inside a walk-in cooler

• Strong desire to eradicate hunger in Dakota County

• Must be able to lift 20+ pounds

• Closed-toed shoes required

Commitment:

Volunteer shifts are 2.5 hours long. Weekday morning, afternoon and evening opportunities are available

There is no requirement of volunteer shifts each month.

If interested, please reach out to Volunteer Services at volunteer@theopendoorpantry.org or fill out our Volunteer Application and mark Warehouse Assistant as the role interested in.

Interested in helping feed kids this summer? Volunteer with the Mobile Lunch Box program!

Last year The Open Door gave out over 58,000 meals to children and need your help this summer to do it again! We will be serving students living in Burnsville, Lakeville, Apple Valley, Rosemount, Inver Grove Heights, South Saint Paul and West Saint Paul!

Volunteer opportunities include driving and/or riding in The Open Door van and handing out food in neighborhoods. We have multiple volunteer shifts to fill in this summer.

The Mobile Lunch Box is a one-of-a-kind approach to addressing children’s hunger in the summertime when children are not in school accessing free and reduced meal programs. The Mobile Lunch Box brings free healthy lunches to 31 neighborhoods across Dakota County.

If interested, please reach out to Volunteer Services at volunteer@theopendoorpantry.org or fill out our Volunteer Application and Mobile Lunch Box volunteer as the role interested in.

Over 40% of families served at the Open Door Pantry are Spanish speaking. To create a welcoming environment for our Spanish speaking families, The Open Door food shelf is looking to add bilingual Spanish speaking volunteers to our client support team.

The primary duties for a Client Support Volunteer are to:

Shifts are onsite at The Open Door's new building in Eagan-3000 Ames Crossing Rd, Eagan. We can work with your schedule for the shifts, but our biggest need is Tuesday/Thursday evenings from 4:15-7:00pm.

If interested, please reach out to Volunteer Services at volunteer@theopendoorpantry.org or fill out our Volunteer Application and mark Bilingual Client Support as the role interested in.

The Open Door is a hunger relief organization dedicated to ending local hunger through access to healthy food. Through its collective programs, The Open Door serves more than 20,000 Dakota County residents each month, and distributes over 5 million pounds of food annually-70% of which is fresh and/or perishable. Clients are able to access healthy food choices through a fixed-site food pantry in Eagan, multiple Mobile Pantry sites, the Mobile Lunch Box, and the Garden To Table program.

Food Sorters play a crucial role in providing healthy, perishable food to our clients by receiving, weighing, and inspecting food from our food rescue grocery store partners. This role ensures all food meets our quality standards by following USDA food safety guidelines. The food donated is no longer able to be sold at the grocery store for various reasons, but is still safe to consume. This role saves thousands of pounds of food from being sent to a landfill each day! After food is sorted, this volunteer will ensure it is properly staged until it’s ready to be stocked in the store or loaded for an offsite distribution.

Position Summary

Food Sorters are responsible for unloading the truck and sorting food donations from our food rescue grocery retail stores. These volunteers will also load the mobile pantry vehicles for our offsite distributions.

Primary Duties and Essential Responsibilities

* Sort through food donations

* Unload and weigh food from delivery

* Stage food as required

Skills and Qualifications

* Must be 16+ years of age.

* Ability to lift 20+ pounds.

* Strong desire to eradicate hunger in Dakota County

* Closed-toed shoes required

* Ability to stand on feet for the duration of shift

Training and Support

Sorters will be properly trained prior to their first shift and staff will be available for questions throughout the shift.

Commitment (time, duration and location)

Food Sorters are located at the Open Door, 3000 Ames Crossing Road. Monday through Friday shifts available with many shift options. There is no requirement of volunteer shifts each month.

Benefits to the Volunteer:

* Help your neighbors

* Help in the fight to end hunger in Dakota County

* Help the environment by keeping food out of landfills

If interested, please reach out to Volunteer Services at volunteer@theopendoorpantry.org or fill out our Volunteer Application and mark Food Sorter as the role interested in.

The Open Door is a hunger relief organization dedicated to ending local hunger through access to healthy food. Through its collective programs, The Open Door serves more than 20,000 Dakota County residents each month, and distributes over 5 million pounds of food annually, 70% of which is fresh and/or perishable. Clients are able to access healthy food choices through a fixed-site food pantry in Eagan, multiple Mobile Pantry sites, the Mobile Lunch Box, and the Garden To Table program. Take a quick tour of our programs below.

Food Rescue Drivers play a crucial role in providing healthy, non-perishable food to our clients. Food Rescue Drivers pick up donated food at grocery stores near the Eagan Pantry location. The food is no longer able to be sold at the grocery store for various reasons but still safe to consume. This role saves thousands of pounds of food from being in a landfill each day! 

Position Summary

The Retail Rescue Driver is responsible for receiving, storage and stocking food. This role requires heavy lifting. Volunteers should be able to lift 40+lbs.  

Primary Duties and Essential Responsibilities

• Using The Open Door Van, pick up food donations at local grocery stores.

• Bring food donations to the Open Door (3000 Ames Crossing Road)

• Unload and weigh food from delivery

Skills and Qualifications

• Must be 18+ years of age.

• Ability to lift 40+ pounds.

• Background Check Required

• Strong desire to eradicate hunger in Dakota County

• Closed-toed shoes required

• Valid Minnesota driver’s license and complete a driver's background check

Training and Support

Food Rescue Drivers will be properly trained prior to their first route. Volunteers will be paired with an experienced volunteer who will help guide them through their first shift. 

Commitment (time, duration and location)

Food Rescue Drivers are located at the Open Door, 3000 Ames Crossing Road. Monday through Friday shifts available, anytime between 7am and 9:30am. There is no minimum requirement of volunteer shifts each month.

Benefits to the Volunteer: 

• Help your neighbors

• Help in the fight to end hunger in Dakota County

• Help the environment by keeping food out of landfills

If interested, please reach out to Volunteer Services at volunteer@theopendoorpantry.org or fill out our Volunteer Application and mark Food Rescue as the role interested in.

The Sanneh Foundation was founded as a youth sports organization in 2003 by former World Cup soccer player and native Minnesotan, Tony Sanneh. The Sanneh Foundation has broadened its reach and now provides a broad swath of services to address the social determinants of health across Minnesota. Our goal is to eliminate Minnesota’s steep racial and ethnic disparities in health outcomes, education, and income.

The Sanneh Foundation leads by listening to community members and providing services that are culturally responsive, empowering, and designed to improve lives. In an increasingly diverse state, Sanneh is at the forefront of meeting the needs of underserved communities so that every Minnesotan can grow up with the education, health care, home life, and strong community support they need to thrive.

Our Nutritional Services team works together to improve the lives of community members experiencing hunger by safely and efficiently distributing donated products from food rescue partners to hundreds of households each week across the Twin Cities.

With the support of generous volunteers, our program also empowers youth through on-the-job training and coordinates free food distributions Monday through Friday — rain or shine!

Click here to learn more!

Food Distribution Schedule:

Group Volunteers

Volunteering with Sanneh’s Nutritional Services is a great opportunity for team bonding and community impact. Whether you are a corporate group, school club, or community organization, your group can make a meaningful difference while working together in a fun, hands-on environment.

To ensure we can provide the best experience for your team and meet the needs of our community, please reach out to Sarah Philippe, Volunteer Manager, at volunteer@thesannehfoundation.org before signing up.

We could not do this work without the enthusiastic participation of our volunteers and the power of communities united around the critical need for food. Thank you for being part of the solution and standing with us in the fight against food insecurity!

The Keystone Community Food Center needs your support and is actively seeking volunteers for our Food Shelf Market.

Market Volunteer Shift *New*

W
10:30 am - 1:30 pm

Participant-facing role

Pre-stock food

Guide participants through the shopping process and item limits

Help participants get bags and boxes to their cars

Prepare market for next service

How do I apply?

Please fill out a volunteer application on our website!

Application Link: Keystone Community Services Volunteer Application Form - Keystone Community Services (volgistics.com)

 Questions: sfleetham@keystoneservices.org or - 651-797-7725

The White Bear Area Food Shelf is looking for volunteers to assist with the setup and distribution of our daily Curbside Pick-Up program for neighbors.  There are 3 different volunteer opportunities:

Contact Carol at carol@whitebearfoodshelf.org or 651-433-7286 to signup or for more information.

The White Bear Area Food Shelf is looking for Food Rescue Drivers for the following roles:

Role does involve lifting up to 40 lbs., bending, and twisting. Volunteer must be able to pass a simple background check and have a valid driver’s license and car insurance.

Interested in learning more?  Contact Carol at carol@whitebearfoodshelf.org or 651-433-7286

NEAR Food Shelf is in great need of volunteers, and we would love to have you
involved. We have a variety of rewarding opportunities available, and your support can truly make a difference in our community.

Morning Volunteer Opportunities (8AM - 12PM):
● Food Rescue Driver (7AM - 9AM) - A Food Rescue Driver helps the food shelf
by going to local grocery stores and picking up food donations for the day.
Donations vary each day and help provide a variety of options to clients who
utilize our food shelf.
● Quality Control Volunteer (8AM - 12PM) - A Quality Control Volunteer helps the
food shelf provide high quality products to clients. When food is donated or
rescued, it is up to the Quality Control Volunteer to check the condition of the
items donated and assure we are providing the highest quality of food .
● Phone Volunteer (9AM - 12PM) - A Phone Volunteer is responsible for
scheduling the appointments for the day. Our food line is open from 9AM to
12PM. This position has the possibility of being remote.
● Food Shelf Stocker (8AM - 12PM) - A Food Shelf Stocker is responsible for
organizing and replenishing shelves with food, maintaining a clean and orderly
environment. They may also help with receiving and sorting donations. There are
various “departments” needed to be completed in order to prepare for making
sure that the food shelf is well-stocked and accessible to those in need

Afternoon Volunteer Opportunities (12PM - 4PM):
● Client Shopping Assistant (12PM - 4PM) - Provides personalized support to
individuals as they navigate the food shelf. This role involves guiding clients
through the available food and household items, explaining choices and quantity
limits, and assisting with carrying groceries (if necessary). They strive to create a
respectful and dignified shopping experience, ensuring clients feel comfortable
and supported in selecting items that meet their needs.
● Front Desk (10AM - 5PM) - Desk volunteer at a food shelf serves as the first
point of contact, managing the front desk and ensuring a welcoming and efficient
experience for clients. Responsibilities include greeting individuals, accurately
registering new clients and managing their data with strict confidentiality, and
answering inquiries about food shelf services.

If you are available to help, we would greatly appreciate it! Please reach out as
soon as possible by emailing us at near@nearfoodshelf.org or calling Edgar, our
Program Coordinator, at 763-533-2836 (press line #2 on the main menu).
Thank you for considering this opportunity—we sincerely appreciate your time
and generosity!

The Salvation Army N Lyndale Ave Lunch Program seeks to supplement the nutritional needs of individuals in need of all ages.

Volunteers will assist by preparing the meal, serving, and cleaning up. Shifts are currently available on Tuesdays from 11:30-2:30 pm.

Location: The Salvation Army Parkview Worship and Service Center
2024 N Lyndale Ave, Minneapolis 55411

Looking for volunteers to assist clients in our food shelf food shelf. Work is indoors and mask, sanitizing, and social distancing protocols are observed. Knowledge of Spanish or other languages spoken by Twin Cities residents is helpful but not required.

Position duties include:

Volunteers needed Monday - Thursday 9:30-2:30. Please sign up for a time slot here. New dates added frequently, so please keep checking back.

Food insecurity is a crisis in our community and it has been accelerated by cost of living increases. An incredible 1 in 8 of our neighbors are in danger of going hungry. SACA needs weekly volunteers to help support our neighbors who depend on these services. Your dedication of time means the world to us and to the people we serve. We are in need of weekly volunteers Monday to Thursday who can commit to 2-4 hours to help with cleaning our facilities.

SACA Food Shelf gives out groceries to residents who face food insecurity and who need help stretching their tight food budgets at home. Food is distributed weekly Monday 9am-4:00pm, Tuesday 8am - 4:00pm, Wednesday 10am - 6:00pm and Thursday 8am - 3:00pm.

Cleaning volunteers provide support for SACA by keeping our food shelf clean and welcoming for our clients and volunteers. Volunteers will assist with sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, and sanitizing shared spaces including the main entryway, kitchen, restrooms, and food shelf.

Qualifications/Requirements:

● Cleaning experience, attention to detail

● Able to complete a list of cleaning tasks independently

● Ability to respect and maintain personal boundaries and client confidentiality

Community Bridge is a community build agency incorporated as a 501 c (3) that operated at the Center For Changing Lives in Minneapolis, MN providing: free bi-monthly food shelf, holiday food shelf, free weekly community meals, delivered prepared meals, job training, mentorship opportunities, volunteering opportunities, and hospitality through our catering services. Our main events are intentionally around meals to help create an ambiance for conversations that enhance community building and community connections. 

Food Distribution Volunteer Role:

-Pick up prepared food and water and distribute it local unhoused community

-Drive to local site in South Minneapolis and hand out food 

-Coordinate with other Food Distribution Volunteers 

-Update Community Bridge with updates and concerns

-Short Civil Rights Training

-Weekly 2-3 hour shift on Wednesday

-Providing excellent customer service

-Be able to interact and serve shoppers

Volunteer Location: 

-2400 Park Ave S Minneapolis, MN 

-Local sites in South Minneapolis

Time of Day: 

11:30 am to 3 pm

Additional information:

-Individual or for team of two

-Need valid drivers license

-Age 18+

-Dress weather appropriate

Perks of volunteering:

Hands-On  food insecurity experience at Community Bridge that positively impact neighbor and community members in South Minneapolis

-Resume builder

Question: Contact Julien Halabi, julien@communitybridgempls.info

'Community Bridge conducts background checks on all volunteers in this position. We have the right to decline a volunteer, or dismiss a current volunteer, based on the results of the background checks.

People Serving People is in large need and in search of dedicated volunteers to support our culinary team on an ongoing basis! For every shift, People Serving People serves an average of 150 - 200 meals to guests residing in our shelter. We depend on the support of our volunteers to support our staff, meet the need, and to provide quality service to the families we serve. 

Volunteers work with People Serving People's culinary staff to serve freshly made breakfast, lunch, or dinner to our families. In addition, volunteers are expected to help clean our dining hall as families depart to maintain a clean, dignified space. Meal Service shifts have space for up to six people, and is a great opportunity to bring a few friends or family members to participate. 

Shifts happen three times a day at breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day of the week. Below are the current shift timeframes available to volunteers: 

While each meal may not always take the full two hours, volunteers must be available for the entire shift time to assist our culinary team in cleaning our dining hall or other secondary tasks. 

Volunteers must be 18+, or 13+ with a guardian or adult chaperone. We encourage parents or chaperones to assess each young person's ability to volunteer effectively on a case-by-case basis. Volunteers are expected to be on their feet but stationary for approx. 1.5hrs serving food on a service line to families. Volunteers should be comfortable interacting with strangers and being patient with different engagement and conversation styles.

The Salvation Army St. Paul Payne Avenue Lunch Program serves families and individuals in East St. Paul and the surrounding area, and seeks to supplement the nutritional needs of individuals in need of all ages.

Volunteers will assist by preparing and cooking the meal as well as serving cafeteria style. Volunteers are invited to join us for the meal before cleaning up.

Shifts are available from 10-2 pm or 12-3 pm Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

Location: The Salvation Army Eastside Worship and Service Center
1019 Payne Ave Saint Paul 55130

Volunteers will help The Salvation Army provide well-balanced food to families seeking assistance from our food shelf. Assistance is needed in the food shelf Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Volunteers will assist by filling boxes of non-perishable food that will be given out through the food shelf program or during our Wednesday Produce Distribution event. 

If you are interested in volunteering for the Thursday Produce Distribution Event, please note that shifts are available:

Thursday mornings from 9:30-1:30 pm; assist with handing out the produce boxes during the distribution event.

This event may be held outdoors weather pending. 

The North Minneapolis Food Shelf (Parkview) serves families and individuals in North Minneapolis and seeks to supplement the nutritional needs of low income individuals of all ages.

As a food shelf volunteer, you will assist with unloading pallets or storage containers with donated food items and filling boxes/bags for distribution. You will assist will stocking the pantry shelves, breaking down cardboard and cleaning in the food pantry.

There is also an opportunity to "shop" or guide clients through the food shelf as they self-select needed items. 

The NE Minneapolis Food Shelf provides well-balanced food to low income families and individuals in need of nutritional food support. Volunteers assist by stocking and maintaining a neat and orderly food pantry as well as packing food boxes/bags. Volunteers may also have the opportunity to guide clients through the food shelf to self-select items.

Available shifts:  Monday from 8 am-12 pm & Wednesday from 1-4 pm
Commitment: At least weekly starting November 18- December 24

The Salvation Army West 7th Street Food Shelf serves families and individuals in need of food and basic necessities year round. Volunteers are needed to assist in packing boxes/bags with food, helping unload food deliveries and stocking the pantry. Fridays continue to offer a drive-thru food distribution model.

Shifts are available for food shelf Monday-Thursday, as well as Friday as part of the food distribution event.

The Eastside Food Shelf serves families and individuals in East St. Paul and the surrounding area, and seeks to supplement the nutritional needs of individuals in need of all ages.

Food Shelf shifts are available Tuesdays & Thursdays from 8:45-11:45 pm and 12:45-3:45 pm
Distribution is Friday from 9:30-12:30. We ask that volunteers are 12 years and older.

The Salvation Army Booth Manor Senior Housing Facility (1421 Yale Place Minneapolis) is in need of volunteers to help with unloading a large food delivery for an internal food distribution event. Volunteers will need to be able to lift, carry, and unpack food boxes averaging 25-40 lbs for the duration of the shift.

Available shifts: Every 1st or 3rd Friday of the month and/or 1 Tuesday/month

Volunteers will need to be available 1-2 times each month for at least 3 months; a background check is required prior to first shift.

The Salvation Army Booth Manor Senior Housing Facility (1421 Yale Place Minneapolis) is in need of volunteers to help deliver (internally) 60 prepackaged food boxes to resident’s apartment doors. The boxes weigh 35 to 40 lbs. each and will need to be lifted onto and moved using carts and elevators.

Volunteers will need to be available from 11:30-2:00 pm the 4th Tuesday/month for at least 3 months; a background check is required prior to first shift. All volunteers will be asked to wear a facemask as this is a senior housing facility.

If you are interested, please fill out a volunteer application here!

Join our vibrant Neighborhood House team as a Food Market Assistant and play a key role in crafting an inviting and inclusive atmosphere at our Wellstone Center food market (179 Robie St. E., Saint Paul)! Here's what this opportunity entails:

Time Commitment: Weekly 

Shift Options: Weekday mornings and/or afternoons

Qualities we value in our volunteers:

Every Meal's mission is to fight child hunger through community and school partnerships. Visit everymeal.org to learn more about what we do and how you can help.

As a Food Bag Packing Volunteer, you’ll join other members of the community at our Volunteer Center in Roseville to help pack food for our Weekend Meal Program. In this high-energy and high-impact volunteer opportunity, you’ll form assembly lines to pack bags containing 4-5 Lbs of shelf-stable fruits, vegetables, proteins and grains. Every food bag we distribute to hungry children in our community is packed by volunteers. Food bags are placed in the backpacks of students at the end of each school week to provide nutrition over the weekend.

We have several opportunities most weeks during the school year to come pack food bags with us. You can register for our packing events as a team or an individual.

Our age minimum to volunteer is 8 years old.

Closed-toed shoes are required for volunteering. Masks are currently not required.

Please note: No experience or diploma needed; Every Meal will provide all necessary training. We strongly encourage people of color, indigenous, immigrants, refugees, LGBTQ+, and people with disabilities to volunteer.

It’s a simple notion: people who are sick should not be without food. Yet it happens every day that people in our community with life-threatening illnesses find themselves unable to shop or cook and, often, without the support network to help.

With the support of people like you, Open Arms brings comfort, nutrition, and support to our fellow community members who are living with life-threatening illnesses. We deliver homemade food to over 1,200 clients every week across the Twin Cities, using healthy ingredients, free of charge. 

Delivery volunteers begin at our building between 10:45AM-11:15AM Monday-Friday and routes are typically 1-2 hours long. Feel free to bring friends and family to deliver with you, and have a good time making your community a better place! This is also a great opportunity to introduce service to kids; Open Arms is excited to offer fun and engaging volunteer opportunities for the whole family.

In return for your service, Open Arms will provide you with the opportunity to be part of a warm and giving community, engaging and flexible volunteer opportunities, and the chance to give back in a meaningful way. Volunteer once, on a regular shift, or as you are able. It’s simple acts of kindness like this that remind clients just how many people in their community care about them!

THIS OPPORTUNITY IS AVAILABLE AT BOTH MINNEAPOLIS & ST PAUL LOCATIONS. Delivery takes place out of our Minneapolis location Monday-Wednesday, and out of our St. Paul location Thursdays & Fridays. 

Please note: For continued safety of our clients, we are asking all Delivery Driver Volunteers to complete a background check prior to delivering. 

1. Apply online by creating a Volunteer Hub profile

2. Sign up for and attend a New Volunteer Orientation

3. Complete a background check (free of charge to the volunteer)

4. Use your online Volunteer Hub account to view and sign up for open routes that work with your schedule!

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at volunteer@openarmsmn.org

It’s a simple notion: people who are sick should not be without food. Yet it happens every day that people in our community with life-threatening illnesses find themselves unable to shop or cook and, often, without the support network to help.

With the support of people like you, Open Arms brings comfort, nutrition, and support to our fellow community members who are living with life-threatening illnesses. We deliver homemade food to over 1,200 clients every week across the Twin Cities, using healthy ingredients, free of charge. 

We are now shipping food to clients across greater Minnesota who would otherwise be outside of our delivery or pick-up range! You can help us assemble, label, and add liners to shipping boxes used to ship food to clients and/or help us pack the food items into the boxes. 

Please note that the minimum age for a Box-Making Volunteer Shift is 12, and the minimum age for a Box-Packing shift is 16. 

1. Apply online by creating a Volunteer Hub profile

2. Sign up for and attend a New Volunteer Orientation

3. Use your online Volunteer Hub account to view and sign up for open shifts that work with your schedule!

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at volunteer@openarmsmn.org

It’s a simple notion: people who are sick should not be without food. Yet it happens every day that people in our community with life-threatening illnesses find themselves unable to shop or cook and, often, without the support network to help.

With the support of people like you, Open Arms brings comfort, nutrition, and support to our fellow community members who are living with life-threatening illnesses. We deliver homemade food to over 1,200 clients every week across the Twin Cities, using healthy ingredients, free of charge. 

Becoming a volunteer at Open Arms is easy, and volunteering with us is impactful, fun and rewarding! Prepare, portion, and package food. No culinary skills necessary! This is a great setting to hang out with other volunteers, pick up tips and tricks from our kitchen staff, and be enveloped in amazing kitchen smells. Opportunities in our Bakery also available IN OUR MINNEAPOLIS LOCATION ONLY!

KITCHEN SHIFTS ARE AVAILABLE AT BOTH MINNEAPOLIS & ST. PAUL MONDAY-SATURDAY EACH WEEK

1. Apply online by creating a Volunteer Hub profile

2. Sign up for and attend a New Volunteer Orientation

3. Use your online Volunteer Hub account to view and sign up for open shifts that work with your schedule!

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at volunteer@openarmsmn.org

We’re recruiting people with good people skills to be trained in on our customer information system and help check-in, register, and schedule customers during our in-person shopping times.  Customers are scheduled for food shelf shopping appointments (5 per 15 minutes) but we also have some walk-ins or people looking to reschedule.  60% of customers speak Spanish.  Must have functional spoken & listening skills in Spanish (bilingual is a PLUS!)  Should work a minimum of 2 shifts per month.  Must be comfortable communicating with a wide variety of people in a dynamic atmosphere.  Will have one-on-one training on the Pantry Saver app before starting and on-the-job training from another volunteer for first shift or more if needed.  Civil Rights training is required prior to first shift worked with the public.  Call with questions!

In our housing stability programs, Catholic Charities provides shelter, meals and opportunities to find jobs, secure a stable home and medical care for those in need. Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Saint Paul Opportunity Center provides daytime services to connect people with medical and mental health care, hot-meals, showers, computer lab access, laundry and employment counseling.

We welcome you to sign up using our volunteer portal and look for StPaulOppCtr Food Service.

In our housing stability programs, Catholic Charities provides shelter, meals and opportunities to find jobs, secure a stable home and medical care for those in need. The Mary F. Frey Minneapolis Opportunity Center is open during the day, Monday - Saturday and connects people with health services, hot meals, showers, a computer lab, laundry, locker rental and employment counseling.

We welcome you to sign up using our volunteer portal and look for Mpls Opportunity Center Food Service.

We are seeking Spanish speaking individuals that can assist our Spanish speaking families.

Receptionist: The face of ACBC Food Shelf! Well, at least the first face that clients see when they walk into the food shelf. Check clients into their appointments, answer phone calls, make food shelf appointments for clients and other administrative tasks as needed.

AdminSupport: Answer phone calls, make food shelf appointments for clients, and complete other administrative tasks as needed. Available shifts: Monday and Wednesday 9:30AM-12:30PM and 12:30PM-3PM, Tuesdays 11:30AM-2:30PM and 2:30PM-5PM or Thursdays 2PM-4:30PM

Food Market Greeter: Help food shelf clients get ready to shop the food shelf by getting their carts ready and answering questions about shopping. Available shift: Mondays 12:30PM-3PM or Thursdays 2PM-4:30PM

Volunteer with ACBC to assist shoppers as they leave the foodshelf. You will be responisble for thanking shoppers for visiting, weighing carts on our scale, and restocking carts with shopping bags. Available shifts are as follows: Mondays, 9am-12:30pm, Tuesdays, 2:30pm-5pm, and Thursdays, 4:30pm-7pm

Sort through donated produce and canned goods to determine if food is still useable. Tasks include checking dates, sorting things by like items, and moving items in our warehouse. Available shifts include: Tuesdays, 8am-12pm, Wednesdays, 7:30am-12pm and 8am-12pm, and Thursdays, 8am-12pm.

Food Shelf Stocker: Primary job is to keep the food shelves stocked and tidy. Throughout the shift you'll be walking around the store checking shelves for lack of food (dry and produce) and hygiene products. Then stocking the shelves with product. Available shifts: Mondays and Wednesdays 9:30AM-12:30PM and 12:30PM-3PM, Tuesdays 12PM-2:30PM and 2:30PM-5, Thursdays 12PM-2PM and 2PM-4:30PM

Food insecurity is a crisis in our community and it has been accelerated by cost of living increases. An incredible 1 in 8 of our neighbors are in danger of going hungry. SACA needs weekly volunteers to help support our neighbors who depend on these services. Your dedication of time means the world to us and to the people we serve. We are in need of weekly volunteers Monday to Thursday who can commit to 2-4 hours to help in the food market, warehouse, thrift story and intake.

The intake volunteer check in clients, answer the phones and schedules appointments. These volunteers will help create an inviting and pleasant work environment and welcome clients to the food shelf. SACA’s office hours are weekly Monday 9am-4:00pm, Tuesday 8am-4:00pm, Wednesday 10am - 6:00pm and Thursday 8am - 3:00pm. We currently have the greatest need for Spanish Speaking intake volunteers on Monday mornings, Tuesday mornings, Wednesday afternoons, and Thursday mornings. Ideally, administrative volunteers would make a weekly or bi-weekly commitment.

Duties/Responsibilities:
* Telephone coverage to make client appointments
* Filing, data entry, copying, scanning
* Assists with welcoming and sign-in food market clients
* Greeting visitors who are donating or visiting SACA
* If volunteer is bilingual: assist staff to effectively and efficiently serve the non-English speaking clients by translating. (We currently have need of Spanish speaking volunteers).
* Performs duties requiring the giving or receiving of information.
* Interact with clients in a friendly and professional manner

Qualifications/requirements:
* Must have a professional manner and strong communication skills both in person and on the phone
* Good organizational skills
* Ability to respect and maintain confidential information
* Able to read and write in English; the ability to speak Spanish is desirable.
* Ability to follow instructions
* Computer skills or willingness to learn.
* Cooperative attitude

Every Thursday we have a seniors community luncheon that brings in adults, 65 and over, to enjoy a healthy and hearty meal and each other's company.  We need volunteers who can help from 11 - 2pm on Thursdays to come together, make lunch, and share it while listening to stories of the Saint Paul that once was.  

Serve meals to Minnesotans living with HIV! The Aliveness Project's kitchen in South Minneapolis serves a hot meal every weekday from 12pm-3pm. You can volunteer weekly, every-other week, or as an occasional fill-in volunteer. Cooking skills not required. Volunteers primarily greet members, serve food, wipe down the tables, and help with dishes.

A bonus is that we feed you! Volunteers are an important part of Aliveness and fully invited to eat with the community. The food is all made in-house from scratch.

Volunteers are vital to the success of our day-to-day programs and it’s a great way to make connections in the community. The Food Shelf is based on a shopping model that allows Aliveness members to choose groceries based on individual dietary needs and preferences. Members can shop for up to 60 pounds of groceries with each visit, including meat, dairy, and fresh produce. 

Volunteers work with staff and members to stock shelves, unload donation deliveries, weigh carts and load member's carts..

Collect spices to donate to the Brian Coyle Center food shelf in Cedar Riverside or the Waite House food shelf in the Phillips neighborhood.

Our Waite House neighbors have told us they wish they could get cumin, cloves, onion, garlic, cilantro, oregano, and mint to prepare nutritious and delicious food for their families. Our Brian Coyle neighbors cook with:  salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cumin seed, curry powder, turmeric. 

Food that tastes "like home" nourishes the body and the soul.

Join us as a volunteer at Open Farms! No matter your experience level, we would love your help growing delicious organic produce to nourish our neighbors. Volunteers can expect to take part in all aspects of work on our urban farms. This includes composting, forming beds, seeding crops, planting seedlings, mulching, weeding, and harvesting. Work varies based on the time of year.

Farm shifts are 2 hours long, and locations/times vary each day. Please dress for the weather and wear sturdy footwear. Bring what you need to be comfortable working outdoors (hat, sunscreen, snack.) Bring your own water bottle. We provide clean cloves and tools. 

Locations: 

1. Apply online by creating a Volunteer Hub profile

2. Sign up for and attend a New Volunteer Orientation

3. Use your online Volunteer Hub account to view and sign up for open shifts that work with your schedule!

For farm specific questions, contact our Farm Manager Kelly Wilson at kellyw@openarmsmn.org

Fluent Spanish speakers are needed to help interpret for Spanish-speaking clients which currently represent a majority of our client base. 

Specific tasks include:

--greeting;

--helping new clients fill out registration forms;

--directing new clients through the process of receiving food. 

Volunteers shifts are from 9:30am  to 12:30pm or 12:30pm to 3:00pm.  The majority of our clients arrive during the morning shift, but numbers are increasing in the afternoon as well.

For anyone interested in working with the Minnehaha Food Shelf, please contact Board Chair Sara Olson at fargo1947@comcast.net or Board Member  Louise Robinson at larobinson303@gmail.com.

The Minnehaha Food Shelf has experienced tremendous growth in our client base.  We need additional volunteers to help support our greeting and food distribution activities.

Specific tasks include:

--greeting the clients;

--assisting with registration;

--directing clients through the food distribution process;

--re-stocking available food items. 

There are two shifts for these tasks every Tuesday, from 9:30am to 12:30pm and from 12:30 to 3:00pm.

For anyone interested in working with the Minnehaha Food Shelf, please contact Board Chair Sara Olson at fargo1947@comcast.net or Board Member  Louise Robinson at larobinson303@gmail.com.

Donate groceries and other items for our homeless youth shelters and transitional housing programs. Find specific items needed at www.lssmn.org/get-involved/volunteer/opportunities/metro-youth-groceries.

Because we have instituted no contact delivery procedures, please contact us before you visit to learn about the process and let us know you will be coming. 

Email MetroHomelessYouth@lssmn.org to coordinate your donation and with any questions. Thank you for your support!

Check out additional opportunities at www.lssmn.org/helpneighbors.

Partner with us to provide food for those in need by preparing food that is distributed for use at congregate sites and schools. Meals are prepared at the Center for Changing Lives, 2400 Park Avenue, South Minneapolis. Precautions are taken to protect both volunteers and people receiving food.

We will accommodate your schedule. There are opportunities available on most days of the week. Thank you for your support and partnership!

Please contact Mary Lundquist at 612.321.1967.

Donate groceries and other items for Lutheran Social Service (LSS) Metro Homeless Youth emergency shelter and transitional housing programs for youth experiencing homelessness. Find specific items needed at www.lssmn.org/get-involved/volunteer/opportunities/metro-youth-groceries. Some of the common items needed are currently things like:

In response to the COVID-19 public health crisis, we have instituted a no contact drop of procedure. Please contact us before you visit to learn more about our programs, the process and to schedule a drop off time.  

Please email MetroHomelessYouth@lssmn.org to coordinate your donation and with any questions. Thank you for your support!

Life Haven provides short term transitional housing to teen moms (ages 16-17) who are experiencing homelessness and their children. The program provides a friendly, safe place where young moms can move out of survival mode and begin to work on a plan that will lead them toward stability for themselves and  their  children. 

Meals are needed that can feed 6 adults for brunch and contains a  main dish,  a side dish, and some kind of veggies.  Milk or juice, fruit, and dessert are also much appreciated.

Examples: 

Home made french toast with eggs and fruit

All the fixings for breakfast tacos

Quiche or frittata with fruit on the side

Meals are needed that are completely prepared when dropped off with only re-heating necessary. 

Thank you for your interest in helping provide nutritious food for teen moms and their children. 

In response to the COVID-19 public health crisis, we have established "no contact" drop off procedures. 

Please contact MetroHomelessYouth@lssmn.org for more information or be placed on our meal donation schedule.  Thank you for your generosity during these challenging times.    

Volunteers are needed to prepare dinners for youth (ages 16-20) staying at our Lutheran Social Service (LSS) Metro Homeless Youth SafeHouse Emergency shelter in Saint Paul. At SafeHouse staff and youth work one on one to create individualized plans towards stability, independence, and a bright future.

We are currently in need of donations of meals prepared off- site and then delivered to Safe House for the month of September and onward. This is a great opportunity to involve the whole family and to teach children about meal planning, nutrition and giving back to others. 

In response to the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis, we have established a "no contact" drop off procedure.  Please contact MetroHomelessYouth@lssmn.org for more information and to sign up for a meal date.  Thank you for your generosity during these challenging times!

Aging Services is looking for volunteers to help older adults remain living in their home. Our doorstep volunteers help pick up food from our food shelves and deliver it to our clients homes.

- gas mileage reimbursement

- need to have a larger vehicle for deliveries

- need to lift up to 40lbs

Aging Services cover the following counties: Chisago/Isanti, Kanabec, Pine and Mille Lacs. 

Right now the need is in our Cambridge, Upper Pine area. We are looking at expanding into the Wisconsin area. If interested please complete the application online at our website. www.familypathways.org/volunteer or contact Volunteer Manager Brooke Zank at 651-674-8040 or brookez@familypathways.org

Family Pathways programs are supported, in part, by the Federal Older Americans Act via contract with Central Minnesota Council on Aging under an Area Plan approved by the MN Board on Aging; by Minnesota Department of Human Services, local donors, cost share contributions, and our Family Pathways Thrift Stores.

CEAP Meals on Wheels delivers hot, nutritious, lunch-time meals for 450 seniors and individuals in 9 cities who are not able to prepare meals or leave their homes. Our Meals on Wheels neighbors are active participants in a collective effort to grow a more equitable, healthy, and joyful community through access to food, while enjoying the comfort and safety of their own homes. Shifts are available Monday-Friday with each shift beginning at 10:30am and ending around noon. Visit www.ceap.org/get-involved/ to fill out our volunteer interest form, or contact mealsonwheels@ceap.com or (763) 450-3678 for more information.

Drivers ensure that our neighbors receive their hot, nutritious meals on time. When our drivers deliver meals, they also deliver safety checks and friendship! This service is vital for our homebound neighbors and community members who are unable to prepare meals for themselves.

CEAP Meals on Wheels delivers hot, nutritious, lunch-time meals for 450 seniors and individuals in 9 cities who are not able to prepare meals or leave their homes. Our Meals on Wheels neighbors are active participants in a collective effort to grow a more equitable, healthy, and joyful community through access to food, while enjoying the comfort and safety of their own homes. Shifts are available Monday-Friday with each shift beginning at 8:30am and ending around 10:30am. Visit www.ceap.org/get-involved/ to fill out our volunteer interest form, or contact mealsonwheels@ceap.com or (763) 450-3678 for more information.

Kitchen Assistants help the CEAP Meals on Wheels team ensure that meals are labeled correctly and packed appropriately in clean carriers. This includes the packing of beverages, sides, and meals into the delivery bags. This position completes paperwork and bag labels. This position requires standing, light lifting and some twisting. We can accommodate to individual needs, as necessary.

CEAP Meals on Wheels delivers hot, nutritious, lunch-time meals for 450 seniors and individuals in 9 cities who are not able to prepare meals or leave their homes. Our Meals on Wheels neighbors are active participants in a collective effort to grow a more equitable, healthy, and joyful community through access to food, while enjoying the comfort and safety of their own homes. Shifts are available Monday-Friday with each shift beginning at 12:30pm and ending at 2pm. Visit www.ceap.org/get-involved/ to fill out our volunteer interest form, or contact mealsonwheels@ceap.com or (763) 450-3678 for more information.

 Meal Packers help the CEAP Meals on Wheels team pack frozen nutritious meals, beverages, and sides to share with our homebound neighbors who benefit most from receiving a weekly frozen meal delivery. This position requires moderate lifting and bending. We can accommodate to individual needs, as necessary.

CEAP's Food Market nourishes our neighbors with curated, healthy food. We share nearly 2 million pounds of food with our neighbors each year!

Food Market Team Members assist with projects like packing grocery orders, sorting food donations, and providing curbside service to participants.

Every year, Catholic Charities serves over one million healthy meals and snacks and provides supplies to nearly 20,000 people most in need in our community. At the Catholic Charities Distribution Center (CCDC), we receive large donations of food and other new and unused clothing and household, personal care and supplies that are distributed to our client programs and 11 food service sites throughout the Twin Cities. 

We welcome you to sign up using our volunteer portal and look for St Paul Distribution Ctr Sort & Prep.

Position Overview: The Event Volunteer is a volunteer position that represents Basic Needs Thrift Shop at community events in order to spread awareness of the shop, its mission, and opportunities to be involved.

Key Responsibilities:

Impact of Role: Representing Basic Needs Thrift Shop at events helps spread the word about the shop, its mission, and its ongoing needs. Nearly 50% of all proceeds are donated back into the community, so your work supports a variety of local causes in addition to connecting customers to quality, inexpensive clothing and household items.

Support: The Event Volunteer will report to and be supported by the Volunteer Coordinator.

Schedule and Commitment: Volunteers are asked to commit to a shift during the event. Shift times will vary depending on the event but are typically 2-4 hours. Most events take place in South St. Paul and the surrounding community. Most events occur on evenings and weekends.

Skills and Qualifications:

Benefit to Volunteer:

Does this sound like a good fit? Contact the Basic Needs Thrift Shop Volunteer Coordinator, Sofia Brown, at (651) 458-9786  or volunteermgr@basicneedsmn.org to learn more or submit an application.

Help prep or hand out groceries at our weekly food shelf

The White Bear Area Food Shelf is looking for volunteers to assist with the setup and distribution of our daily Community Market for neighbors to have an in-person shopping experience.  There are 4 different volunteer opportunities:

Contact Carol at carol@whitebearfoodshelf.org or 651-433-7286 to signup or for more information.

Soup For You, a community soup café located in Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, is looking for welcoming, friendly, compassionate people to assist with food preparation, dining room preparation and serving our guests a hearty lunch. Opportunities are available any day M-F between the hours of 10:30am – 2pm. Visit https://soupforyou.info/volunteer for more information. Join us as we fulfill our mission of “feed, nourish and comfort”!

SACA's thrift store provides clothing and household essentials at an affordable price to the community. SACA’s thrift store is 100% run by volunteers, which means that 100% of thrift store purchases go towards feeding the community.

Duties/Responsibilities:
* Assist customers by offering quality customer service
* Financial controls; handling money and processing cash and card transactions
* Stock new product
* Maintain the store's physical appearance
* Sort through donations to verify that items received are good condition
* Give receipts to and collect information from people donating products

Qualifications/Requirements:
* Good customer service skills
* Ability to do basic arithmetic and perform sales transactions
* Some light to moderate lifting
* Ability to stand and bend
* Some stocking experience helpful but not necessary
* Ability to respect and maintain personal boundaries and client confidentiality
* Spanish speaking ability is helpful but not required

Take a tour of the community in SACA’s 14’ Box Truck while you pick up and deliver food rescue from our store partners (Cub, Target, Trader Joes and more). Ideally you would be able to lift 40 pounds. We have shifts available Monday - Thursday 6:00am to 10:30am.

Duties:

Food insecurity is a crisis in our community and it has been accelerated by cost of living increases. An incredible 1 in 8 of our neighbors are in danger of going hungry. SACA needs weekly volunteers to help support our neighbors who depend on these services. Your dedication of time means the world to us and to the people we serve. We are in need of weekly volunteers Monday to Thursday who can commit to 2-4 hours to help in the food market, warehouse, thrift story and intake.

SACA Food Shelf gives out groceries to residents who face food insecurity and who need help stretching their tight food budgets at home. Food is distributed weekly Monday 9am-4:00pm, Tuesday 8am - 4:00pm, Wednesday 10am - 6:00pm and Thursday 8am - 3:00pm.

Food market volunteers provide basic support services, including stocking shelves and helping clients shop for food, clean up, and other tasks required for service. Volunteers may assist one day or make a regular commitment depending on their schedule. Special opportunities for translation are needed, especially for Spanish speakers.

Duties/Responsibilities:
● Help stock pantry shelves
● Help clients shop in the food market
● At times, prepare food boxes for distribution to clients
● Maintains inventory
● Assists with welcoming and sign-in food pantry clients
● Monitors area to maintain order and a clean and safe environment
● Assists with cleaning and organizing

Qualifications/Requirements:
● Customer service orientation
● Some light to moderate lifting, although not necessary for all roles
● Ability to stand and bend
● Some stocking experience helpful but not necessary
● Ability to respect and maintain personal boundaries and client confidentiality