Smiling volunteer with beard in a 360 Communities shirt surrounded by shelves of food.

Volunteers are the “Heart and Soul” of 360 Communities in Rosemount

by Samantha Solberg
Jun 11, 2025

For many of Second Harvest Heartland’s partner food shelves, volunteers are a big part of their organization’s success. 360 Communities in Rosemount, MN, is a great example of how volunteers can make a big difference in the lives of those facing hunger.

From picking up food at retail rescue partner stores, to helping shoppers in the food shelf, volunteers are responsible for the day-to-day operations at 360 Communities that keep their neighbors fed. “This place would not run without the volunteers. They are a huge, huge gift to this organization and we couldn't do it without them,” said Food Shelf Site Coordinator Sara Felix. “Truthfully, they're the heart and soul of the place.”

One such volunteer, Rich, started volunteering at 360 Communities more than 21 years ago. “Originally when I was here, the food shelf was a closet,” he said. “So, a lot of changes, but a lot of good changes, great changes I should say.”

Volunteer with a white beard in gray UMN sweatshirt sitting at a desk

As a volunteer resource support worker, Rich makes sure neighbors visiting the food shelf have everything they need.

Rich volunteers as a Resource Support Worker, which means he interviews people when they come in for a food shelf appointment, to see how they're doing and if there’s anything 360 Communities can help them with aside from food.

“Food is what brings them in… It seems like food is the catalyst to get people in because everyone needs it and then that helps us understand where they're at in other areas of their life,” Rich explained. “Maybe they had a spouse that passed away or they have a sick child. Some of them are like, ‘You know, I never thought I'd be in this situation and here I am.’ I always say, ‘Well, that's why we're here to help.’”

Woman in stripped black and white shirt smiling and leaning against a wall with arms crossed.

Rosey, a community support leader, appreciates the comfort and resources her clients receive from 360 Communities.

Along with helping shoppers feel welcome in the space, volunteers are also a key part of connecting with other community support workers, like Rosey. Rosey works for New Challenges, providing mental health and behavioral support for clients. Many of the clients Rosey works with are on limited incomes and being able to pick up basics like milk, eggs, and cereal is a big help for the people she works with.

“I absolutely love the volunteers here, whether I'm scheduling an appointment for a client or I'm dropping off supplies,” Rosey said. “They're easy to talk to. They're easygoing, they're loving, they're fun.”

Volunteer in black branded shirt gripping a gray cart with one hand

Mike, a food shelf volunteer, is proud of the produce, bakery goods, dairy, and meat that 360 Communities has to offer.

Another volunteer that offers everyone a friendly face is Mike. He started volunteering at 360 Communities when he retired a few years ago. In his volunteer role, Mike helps shoppers find what they need in the food shelf.

“What I really like about the food shelf is it really treats people with respect,” Mike said. “We listen to them. It is very similar to a real grocery store experience.”

Are you interested in volunteering at a local hunger-relief organization? Check out volunteer opportunities on the HandsOn Twin Cities Minnesota Hunger Relief site.