FFEN tackles one of food shelves’ biggest challenges with help from a Volunteer Generation Fund grant
Volunteers aren’t just extra hands at food shelves, they’re often the staff. And, even at sites with paid staff, doors don’t open without the dedication of volunteers.
Recruiting, retaining and mobilizing volunteers well is one of the hardest parts of food shelf operations. So, when FFEN launched a cohort focused on volunteer engagement, we expected interest, but we never expected 45 food shelf leaders to answer the call.
“Demand was massive and even though food shelves are being faced with increased local need, they still want to connect with their colleagues, and they still want to learn best practices around how they do their work,” said Kate Burggraff, FFEN Executive Director.
The cohort participation prioritizes leaders from Greater Minnesota food shelves, but, more than half the applications came from Twin Cities Metro leaders.
“It’s a higher need than we realized,” Burggraff said.
Results from the 2025 Minnesota Food Shelf Manager Survey back up demand for the cohort: 35% of 318 managers surveyed said their food shelf relies entirely on volunteers and has no paid staff.
While 18 members have been accepted into the cohort, Burggraff said FFEN will provide broader volunteer engagement support to all food shelf leaders throughout the fall.
The cohort, made possible by a Volunteer Generation Fund grant from ServeMinnesota, will focus on everything from building sustainable volunteer engagement to defining volunteer roles and responsibilities.
In tandem with the cohort, FFEN will host a series of volunteer engagement Sustain & Nourish online sessions open to food shelf leaders across Minnesota and western Wisconsin. These sessions focus on peer learning, connection, and training around specific topics. Additionally, FFEN is working on partnerships that can further support this work.
“This is clearly a challenging pain point for food shelves right now as we think about increased demand, and we want to respond in new and creative ways.” Burggraff said.
Cohort participants will participate in a six-session live, virtual series. And, they’ll receive a one-on-one 30-minute virtual call with FFEN to discuss some of their greatest challenges. Additionally, FFEN staff and pro bono volunteers will visit each site this fall to do an assessment that looks at all aspects of operations and make recommendations. Cohort office hours will allow participants time to connect and learn from their peers.
Join us this fall for the Sustain & Nourish volunteer engagement series
- September 22: Creating a Shopper-Centered Volunteer Program
Volunteers play an enormous role in shaping how shoppers experience a food shelf. From the way someone is greeted to how policies are explained and choices are offered, volunteer behaviors can either strengthen—or unintentionally create barriers to—a welcoming, dignified experience.
In this session, participants will explore how to build a volunteer culture grounded in mission, dignity, choice, and shoppers’ needs. Together, we’ll look at how organizational values translate into everyday volunteer behaviors, how assumptions and biases can affect interactions, and how leaders can help volunteers understand the “why” behind changing practices.
Participants will also discuss practical strategies for navigating resistance, reinforcing expectations, using shopper feedback, and addressing situations in which long-standing volunteer preferences or “the way we’ve always done it” no longer support the experience the organization wants to create.
- October 27: Finding & Keeping the Right Volunteers
Building a strong volunteer program is about more than finding enough people to fill a schedule. Sustainable volunteer programs connect the right people with the right roles—and create opportunities that work for both the volunteer and the organization.
In this session, participants will explore how food shelves can approach volunteer roles, recruitment, and retention differently. Together, we’ll identify the many ways volunteers can contribute—from shopper-facing roles to stocking, driving, sorting, administrative support, and skilled volunteer opportunities—and consider how interests, strengths, availability, and motivation can help determine the right fit.
Participants will also explore strategies for recruiting beyond their usual circles, filling difficult roles or shifts, creating flexible opportunities, and communicating volunteer needs more effectively. You’ll leave with ideas for expanding how people can contribute and practical next steps to strengthen your volunteer recruitment approach.
- November 24: From First Day to Confident Volunteer
A strong volunteer experience begins before someone ever starts their first shift. Thoughtful onboarding, clear expectations, and consistent training help volunteers feel welcomed, prepared, and confident while also creating greater consistency for shoppers, staff, and fellow volunteers.
In this session, participants will explore what volunteers need from an organization—and what organizations need from their volunteers—to build a successful partnership. Together, we’ll look at the volunteer journey from orientation and the first day through ongoing training, communication, supervision, and cross-training.
We’ll also discuss simple ways to document roles, responsibilities, procedures, and institutional knowledge so that training does not depend on one person holding all the information. Participants will leave with practical ideas for creating a volunteer experience that builds confidence, consistency, and connection from day one.
This fall, we’re telling stories about the volunteers powering local food shelves. Follow us on social media to see more in the coming months.
ServeMinnesota is a hub for innovation creating high-impact, evidence-based programs that meet communities where they are, improving lives in Minnesota and beyond. As the state’s Commission on National and Community Service, ServeMinnesota combines national service with research in education, housing, health, environmental conservation, and more. Annually more than 2,000 adults serve their communities through these programs in 78 of the state’s 87 counties. Two of ServeMinnesota’s signature programs, Reading Corps and Math Corps, have received national recognition for their effective and scalable tutoring model. Combining public and private dollars, strong community partnerships, and proven research, ServeMinnesota makes meaningful contributions to the state. For more information, visit http://www.serveminnesota.org
