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 over 4,000 people every month! That’s the impact you will make as a volunteer with Centre Street.

From March through April 2024, we need to pause on accepting new volunteers. Our operation is changing to improve the experience for our clients and we need this time to work out the process with our existing volunteers.

If you would like to volunteer in the future, please fill out this form and we will place you on a wait list and get back to you when we are adding new volunteers.

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 Meredith Madison, our Volunteer Manager.

  • Yes! We offer monthly volunteer orientation sessions, currently via Zoom. Please choose a date that works for you and RSVP to an upcoming volunteer orientation here.

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

—Cesar Chavez