VOLUNTEER AT BCFS

Volunteers are essential to everything we do at the Bemidji Community Food Shelf. From the front desk to the warehouse to our community farm, your time helps ensure our neighbors get the food and support they need with dignity and respect.

Whether you volunteer weekly or just once, you're making a real difference in our community.

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Individual Volunteer Positions

We have a variety of volunteer positions available for any skill set. Typical shifts are 3 hours in length on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Fridays. Contact our Volunteer Coordinator for more information or to get started: volunteer@bcfsmn.org.

Warehouse Helper

Warehouse helpers unload food deliveries, record temperatures and weights, sort donations, repackage food, and stock the shelves.

Store Helper

Store helpers guide customers through the store, keep shelves stocked, and help make every visit warm and welcoming.

Receptionist

Receptionists are the first friendly face customers see, keeping the waiting room running smoothly and handling phone calls.

Interviewer/Intake

Intake volunteers check customers in, enter their information into the database, and explain what they can expect when they shop.

Gleaner

Gleaners drive to local stores to rescue good food and bring it back to the food shelf to be sorted and stocked. Must use own vehicle.

Sample Meal Cooks

Food demo volunteers prepare and sample quick, healthy meals in the waiting room to show customers fun new ways to use the available food.

Bulk Food Repackager

Bulk food repackagers take large amounts of food like rice, pasta, and beans and put them into smaller sizes for customers to take home. Shifts are as-needed.

Farm Helper

Farm volunteers help plant, harvest, and maintain the BCFS Farm to grow fresh produce for food shelf customers. These are seasonal positions based on farm need.

Want to volunteer with a group?

We would love to have you! Each month, several different groups, from places such as churches, local businesses, and clubs, volunteer at BCFS. Our Volunteer Coordinator will work with you to find the perfect project. Contact her at volunteer@bcfsmn.org.

What's it like to volunteer at BCFS?

Get an inside look with this photo story created by BSU student Annie Braught showing what it’s like to volunteer at the Food Shelf.

View The Story

Have professional skills you'd like to volunteer?

BCFS is governed by a working volunteer Board of Directors consisting of dedicated community members. If you would like to learn more about opportunities to serve on the board or a committee, please click below for more info.

Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What do I do when I arrive for my shift?

A. Please park on the West side of the building (closest to the farm) and enter the building through the Business Office door. Then check in with the Volunteer Coordinator.

Q. Do you have weekend or evening volunteer opportunities?

A. Not at this time. But we would still encourage you to reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator to talk about other opportunities and ways to be involved.

Q. What can I expect as a volunteer?

A. Due to the nature of our work, there are some physical demands: the ability to lift 20+ pounds and stand for most of the duration of your shift. Less physically demanding roles are limited but available.

Volunteer positions are typically available during our operating hours. However, there may be some other opportunities available at times.

Q. What should I wear or bring?

A. BCFS has a casual dress code, however, close-toed shoes or boots are required due to working around food. We recommend dressing for the elements since temperatures can vary. If you are volunteering on the farm, please wear weather-appropriate clothing and protective gear. Our Volunteer Coordinator will advise you of any position-specific requirements or recommendations.

Q. How do I join the Board of Directors or a committee?

A. We welcome applications from community members who feel called to serve on the BCFS Board of Directors. Please see our About Page for more information and to apply.

Thank you for supporting BCFS.

For all other volunteer inquiries or questions, please reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@bcfsmn.org.