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Nonprofit
Make Lunch for Homeless Shelter guests - weekly opportunity
Details
Description
Feeding people is a way to show love. Feeding those who might go hungry is the ultimate act of love. Make at least 50 sandwiches to serve to our Minneapolis shelter guests for lunch. We have two different shelters in Minneapolis - one in downtown, and one in the Longfellow neighborhood of South Minneapolis.
If you can provide sandwiches regularly -- once a month?!? -- please do!
This is an in-kind donation and potential group activity, you supply the food and organize the sandwich making itself. Gather your family, friends, faith group, book club, neighbors, or other group to make sandwiches.
This is an ongoing opportunity through 2026, as long as this posting is up!
Location
Associated Location
First Covenant Church Shelter OR The Valiance Shelter
How to Volunteer for This Opportunity
READ THIS FIRST: This volunteer-led, in-kind donation project gives you the freedom to make a real difference: simply purchase ingredients, assemble lunches at home, then pick a drop-off slot that works for you. Thank you for your generosity—your efforts bring both nourishment and hope to our neighbors in need!
Basic Guidelines:
- Purchase ingredients and prepare at least 50 sandwiches (so that it stores well, please only add meat and cheese on the bread).
- Sides: Condiment packets, chips, and non-refrigerated fruit (examples: apples, bananas, or oranges).
- Estimated cost: $75–$100 for sandwiches only; about $150 - $170 if adding the suggested sides.
Need a hand getting started? Check out our pre-loaded shopping cart to purchase items or get inspired!
Supply Checklist:
- Meat (no pork)
- Cheese
- Bread
- Condiment packets
- White stickers and marker for labeling sandwich type
- Ziploc bags
- Food Prep Gloves
- Preferred Side(s): Chips and non-refrigerated fresh fruit (examples: apples, bananas, or oranges)
Assembly Instructions:
- After putting on your food prep gloves, use 2 or more slices of meat and 1 or more slices of cheese per sandwich.
- Place each sandwich in a Ziplock bag with a sticker noting sandwich type and prep date.
- Suggested: Repack sandwiches into original bread bags for easy transport and storage. Label outer bag with sandwich type and date.
Bonus Touch:
Write short notes of encouragement—neutral in tone, not religious, signed by you or your group.
Example: “Enjoy your lunch! From St. Mary’s Senior Youth Group”
Final Step:
Deliver sandwiches at your scheduled drop-off time - LUNCH DROP OFF SCHEDULE.
Questions?
For any questions about this project please reach out to the contact email listed on this page. Since several programs share building spaces, keeping questions in one place helps us avoid mix-ups and keeps everything running smoothly. Thanks so much for your help and understanding!
What will volunteers need to bring or wear?
FOOD SAFETY
Wash hands and put on food prep gloves prior to assembly. Use clean surfaces while preparing sandwiches.
Keep sandwiches cold using a clean cooler or cooler bag and ice packs if transporting on trips lasting more than 30 minutes. For shorter trips of 30 minutes or less in a cool car, a cooler isn’t required—just keep items chilled until departure and go straight to drop-off without making any unnecessary stops.
