Volunteer

You will make a difference.

Our volunteers come from different backgrounds yet we work together almost effortlessly every week because we share the same passion to help others.

Volunteers at Centre Street include people from different cultures and backgrounds, adults of all ages, and students ranging from middle school groups to high school and college students. We rely upon 125 different people to help us feed 4,000 people every month! That’s the impact you will make as a volunteer with Centre Street.

We welcome those who are available regularly or just for the summer. Our greatest need for volunteers is on Tuesdays from 10am until 6pm, but we also have opportunities to help unload food and pack bags on other days as well as during our Saturday service hours.

If you would like to join our volunteer community, click the button below and fill out our application to register.

If you have a question, please email Janelle Kwon, our board member volunteer coordinator.

Volunteer FAQs

  • Yes, please visit our Volunteer Guidelines page.

  • Service days are:
    Every Tuesday, between 10AM and 6PM.
    The third Saturday of the month, between 9AM and 2PM.

    Greater Boston Food Bank truck unloading is:
    The second, third and fourth Monday, 8:30-10:30AM
    The first and fifth Thursday, Noon-2pm
    The third and fourth Friday, 9:30-11:30AM

    Indoor bag packing is often scheduled:
    Monday and Thursday mornings, 10AM-Noon

  • You can sign up to:

    • Pick up food from a local retailer

    • Pack grocery bags indoors

    • Help bring in food from the Greater Boston Food Bank

    • Set up for a service day

    • Pack produce bags or cold orders

    • Bring food to client cars

    • Clean up and break down boxes

    • Check in clients

    • Translate if you speak Spanish, Portuguese, Mandarin or Russian

  • Typically two hours.

  • We ask that you volunteer at least twice a month so you learn our operation or a specific job. We have the most difficulty filling our Saturday shifts so consider becoming a monthly regular!

    We welcome those who can volunteer more frequently or wish to volunteer for two shifts on a service day, even if you choose a different job each shift.

  • Please see our Volunteer Guidelines page.

  • We ask that you not bring a friend or family member with you unless you register this person in our volunteer database and/or provide advance notice.

  • Our staff on site is always available to answer a question. If you want to ask a question at another time please email Janelle Kwon, our board member volunteer coordinator.

  • We do not have formal orientation sessions but instead, will provide you with 1-1 guidance about your job when you begin volunteering.

“The people who give you food give you their heart.”

—Cesar Chavez