- A place where people come hungry, and leave hopeful
As a CES volunteer, you’re part of something bigger—helping over 117,000 neighbors have access to the food they need. Whether you’re dropping off meals to seniors, packing up food orders, or chatting with folks while they shop, you’re making a huge difference in people’s lives.
We offer a variety of volunteer opportunities across all our program areas, and we’re excited to help you find the right fit.
“Nobody can do everything,
but everyone can do something.”
– Unknown
A variety of volunteer opportunities are available in all our program areas, we can find the right fit for you!
Food Market: Our Food Market provides supplemental food to neighbors in need. Volunteers are needed to stock shelves before we open and assist shoppers during market hours. We also need help packing grocery orders for our after-hours food lockers, which neighbors can pick up at their convenience.
Meals on Wheels: Help keep our neighbors healthy and in their own homes by delivering meals to those who can’t shop or cook for themselves. Volunteers are needed to pack meals in the morning from 8:30-10am and deliver them on weekdays from 11am-12pm.
Ani-Meals: We believe pets are family, too! Ani-Meals helps Meals on Wheels clients feed their pets by providing pet food. Volunteers sort and pack pet food donations and distribute them to our clients once a month.
Just Complete this online registration form, followed by a short meeting with a team member, then you’ll be ready to sign-up for open shifts. Please reach out to nsmalley@cesmn.org with any questions.
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.
