- A place where people come hungry and leave hopeful.
As a CES volunteer, you’re part of something bigger—ensuring nearly 150,000 neighbors have access to the food and support they need to move from hungry to hopeful. Whether you’re delivering meals to homebound seniors, packing groceries for the food lockers, or offering a warm welcome as neighbors shop in the food market, you’re making a real difference every day. With volunteer opportunities across all of our programs, we’d love to help you find the role that’s just right for you.
There are many ways to get involved at CES, and we’ll help you find the role that’s right for you!
Learn more about these roles here.
Ready to get involved?
Just complete our online registration form and schedule a quick meeting with a team member. After that, you’ll be ready to sign up for open shifts. Questions? Email nsmalley@cesmn.org.
Visit the Volunteer Information Center (VIC) to update your profile, view and manage your volunteer schedule, post-service hours, and stay up-to-date on CES news.
Are you looking for a volunteer experience for a group of friends, a team of colleagues, or youth groups? CES is excited to partner with you! Whether you want to volunteer together at one of our locations or organize a group event offsite, we’re here to make it happen. Ready to get started? Simply fill out this group volunteer form, and let’s make a difference together!
How can I learn more about volunteer opportunities? More details on volunteer opportunities can be found HERE.
How do I sign-up for a shift? After going through orientation, you’ll use our online volunteer app VicNet to choose the shifts that work for you!
Where is CES located? 1900 11th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55404. Our building is also a church. Our address is When you arrive, the door may be locked, press the CES intercom (on the left side of the double glass doors which face the parking lot) to reach a staff member who can buzz you into the building.
Can I complete my service-learning hours through CES? We will make every effort to accommodate requests!
Can I complete my court-ordered community service hours through CES? CES is limited in the court-mandated community service charges we can accept. Individuals with violence, theft, or fraud-related offenses may not be eligible to complete mandated community service hours with us. All court-mandated community service participants must receive official approval prior to beginning service.
What is the minimum age to volunteer? We love having student volunteers! If you’re under 18, you’re welcome to join us as long as you’re accompanied by an adult.
Can groups/families volunteer together? YES! We love working with groups! We ask one person to be the primary contact and complete the Group Registration Form.
Where Should I park? Volunteers and staff park on the surrounding side streets so we can keep the parking lot available for our neighbors visiting the Food Shelf.
What should I wear? We encourage volunteers to dress comfortably, wear close-toed shoes and leave valuables at home. A name tag will be provided on your first day.
Do I need a background check? Background checks are conducted for ongoing volunteer roles at no cost to the volunteer.
How do I sign in? Volunteers will sign in when coming for their shift. CES uses hours for reporting and fundraising purposes. Meals on Wheels drivers will sign in using the kiosk at the main entrance and all other volunteers will use the kiosk located in the warehouse.
When will I receive training to my role? Training for your role will occur on your first day either by a staff member or another volunteer.
How do I make changes to my schedule? You will use our volunteer app VicNet to add or remove yourself from the schedule. Volunteers can remove themselves on the site up to 48 hour prior to your shift.
