Recognized for Volunteer Engagement

We’re generally pretty modest. There’s no space for ego in the work that we do. And when we’re able to tackle hunger in the myriad ways that we are because of the tens of thousands of volunteers that engage with us each year, there’s also no space for subpar volunteer management and organization.

That’s what makes us so proud to announce that we have been awarded recertification as a Service Enterprise organization through Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service!

We continue to be among the top 11 percent of nonprofits nationwide in upholding high standards in volunteer management and organizational performance.

During the six-month preparation and application process, our Volunteer Engagement Team, partnering with Minnesota Alliance for Volunteer Advancement, reviewed key characteristics of our volunteer program such as leadership support, effective training, volunteer onboarding and supervision, community outreach, and tracking and evaluation. We presented evidence of our strengths and identified areas for growth that will guide our future volunteer program initiatives, creating for our thousands of volunteers an even more engaged, diversified and meaningful volunteer experience.

As Points of Light commented, “This application highlighted Second Harvest Heartland 's commitment to investment in and strategic planning around volunteers at both the organizational and volunteer department levels, as well as their elevation of volunteer value by realigning volunteer services under the Chief People Officer, increasing the visibility of volunteers and all things volunteer engagement.”

You’ll not only find volunteers repacking food in our Volunteer Centers or assisting clients with SNAP applications and senior food boxes, but you’ll also discover individuals and groups bringing their expert knowledge to special strategic projects throughout multiple teams across the organization. This has enabled our food bank to add capacity and new skills to ensure we are strong yet remain nimble and ready to meet the needs of the partners and communities we support.

We invite you to join our dynamic, certified Service Enterprise, organization in the fight to end hunger together. We have different opportunities available for you if for a couple hours or in an ongoing capacity. To learn more, visit Volunteer Central.