VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

be part of a community that believes everyone deserves access to good food

At Food For Free, our volunteers are at the heart of the work we do to fight food insecurity across Greater Boston. Whether you’re packing produce, building boxes, or bagging beans, every hour you spend with us helps feed a neighbor—and builds a more just, connected community.

current volunteer opportunities

Just Eats Program

Help us pack and build grocery boxes with fresh produce and pantry staples. These boxes are distributed through our hunger relief partners to families and individuals across Greater Boston who face barriers to accessing healthy food.

• Box packing: Work along an assembly line of volunteers to pack nutritious food into grocery boxes.
• Box building: Fold and prepare cardboard boxes to be filled with healthy food.

School Markets Program

Support local school communities by packing dried beans from bulk into family-sized portions for distribution at our free pop-up markets on school grounds.

• Bean packing: A simple but essential task that ensures families have access to healthy proteins.

why work with food for free?

Direct Impact: Your time helps put fresh, healthy food into the hands of thousands of people each week.

Flexible Shifts: Most volunteer shifts are 2 hours long and are located at our Somerville Packing and Distribution Center. We occasionally will offer volunteer opportunities at nearby partner sites in Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville.

Great for Individuals or Small Groups: Whether you’re volunteering solo or with a friend or two, there’s always work to be done—and people to meet.

Be Part of a Movement: Join others committed to food justice and giving back to the community.

Hear from our volunteers

"Food insecurity is affecting folks more than ever. With Food For Free, I can roll up my sleeves and pack boxes full of nutritious and healthy food for my neighbors in need. It's a fantastic organization!" 

—Jess Williamson

"The Cambridge and Somerville communities have huge economic ranges. A lot of people don't realize how much of an issue it is. You can walk down the street and not know that someone is food insecure. Individuals, municipalities, foundations, and others need to keep supporting food pantries and like-minded organizations. When at Food For Free School Markets, seeing the long lines of people lined up early is very eye-opening. There's still a great need" 

—Gao-Wen Shao

"Food For Free is a wonderful organization. The shifts are very well organized—you sign up for a specific time and job, and come in and do it. It's not hard work, but it's important work, and everyone who volunteers there are all good folks. I'm proud to work with them and it's fun!"

—Maxie Chambliss

Ready to get started?

Use the button below to register as a new Food For Free volunteer. We’ll provide all the training and support you need—just bring closed-toe shoes and your commitment to building a healthier, more equitable Greater Boston.

Have a question before you sign up? Contact our volunteer team.

Want to get more involved with Food For Free? Visit our Get Involved page to check out more ways to engage with our mission.