Volunteer:

Our mission is to help those who are hungry, but we can’t do it alone. Many people feel that hunger is such a large issue that how would anything they did make a difference, but that is far from the truth. For every one person that is hungry there are nine people that can help. There are so many opportunities to help and ways to do it that don’t just involve money that anyone can get involved in ending hunger in our community.

Monitary Donations:

One way you can help is to donate money to Local Harvest. There are many ways to do this, an ongoing monthly contribution taken directly from a checking account or credit card, a one-time donation of whatever you wish to give, and even putting Local Harvest in your will or estate plan. For every $5 donated we can provide a person with 15 meals. If you wish to speak with someone regarding your donation, you can contact us by phone at: (612) 783-2112 or you may print out our short form and send it along with your donation to our offices. There are guidelines and forms on our website for hosting a virtual or traditional food drive (coming soon). You can speak with your company to see if they match contributions or if you are over 70 donating can count as part of your distribution from your IRA.

A heart for feeding people – Jim and Kathy Gelder

Like many of our generous donors, Jim Gelder was first introduced to Local Harvest  through a United Way workplace giving campaign while working for ING Minneapolis. His connection to Second Harvest Heartland grew over time, and he and his wife Kathy found opportunities to share their passion for hunger relief, including tours of the Local Harvest facilities. “We have both seen firsthand how Local Harvest does what it does,” he says. “Now that we’re both retired it has been hard to pay all the bills and pay for medication and still buy food so we have had to use the Local Harvest [programs and we’re not ashamed to admit it. Everyone has trouble sometimes and needs help and that’s what they do.” They continue to support Local Harvest as well as a food bank in Arizona, where they live now. “We’ve developed a heart for feeding people,” says Jim.

Fresh Produce Distribution:

Durring the summer months we collect and distribute fresh produce at several sites in the Twin Cities area. Volunteers set up the distribution site, sort food, greet people as they arrive and hand the food out. Some volunteers may be asked to assist in minimal client tracking. Instructions and training will be provided on site.

This opportunity is very physical and requires volunteers to be able to stand for three hours and be able to lift 10-20 pounds and must be age 13+ to volunteer.

Skilled Volunteering:

You can help reduce waste & feed our hungry neighbors! We are looking for volunteers to help us continue our successful recovery of prepared food throughout the Twin Cities metro area, and we need your help. Volunteers are needed to transport food from donors to local agency partners. Volunteers will be trained in safe food transport practices and will be alerted to donation collection/delivery opportunities through their smartphones using the MealConnect app. Volunteers will have the option to accept or decline each opportunity based on availability. A 3-month commitment is required along with a valid driver’s license and vehicle as well as a background check.

Senior Food Box:

Local Harvest  provides a box of nutritious food each month to low-income seniors 60 years and over through the Nutrition Assistance Program for Seniors (NAPS). Volunteers in this role assist at distribution sites where we  give out the boxes of groceries. You can assist in the setup, certification and recertification of seniors who receive a box and help seniors carry their boxes to their cars and load them. This position is physical, fast-paced, and offers face-to-face client interaction. Volunteers must be able to lift lb10-20 and at least age 15 with a 3-month commitment.

Meals On Wheels Partner:

The Meals On Wheels program delivers hot lunches or dinners to seniors and others who are unable to go to a distribution site or shop for their own food and who have no friends or family nearby. Each volunteer person or group is given a list of people along with addresses for a specific area in which to deliver meals. This does involve driving, some lifting,, and interaction with clients. We do require a 3month minimum, a valid driver’s license and vehicle along with  a full background check.

 

Whether you can volunteer money, your time or help with driving and setup, we, and those we serve, greatly appreciate it!