2025 Boston Local Food Festival Volunteers

The Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts (SBN) was founded in 1988 as the nation’s first business trade association with a mission of making business a vehicle for social, environmental, and economic change. Since then, SBN and our allies have raised the bar for what’s expected from the business community. During this time, we’ve witnessed the immense potential that local entrepreneurs have for doing good.

SBN envisions a resilient world economy composed of thousands of inter-connected local economies that benefit the lives of all people and all living things. SBN endeavors to build a successful model in Massachusetts and New England that inspires others to join with us in growing the sustainable economy movement.

There are a variety of volunteer roles occuring throughout this event: 

Set-Up Stewards (morning only): Be part of the team that brings the festival to life! These volunteers are flexible, energetic, and ready to jump in wherever needed. You’ll help set up tables and chairs, place signs in the right spots, and prepare event activities for the day. At the start of your shift, you’ll check in with your Zone Leader to get your assignment and hit the ground running. If you like being hands-on and making things happen, this is the role for you!

Parking Control (morning only): Be the eyes and ears of the festival first thing in the morning! As a Parking Control volunteer, you’ll make sure reserved spots go to the right vendors and team members, keeping everything running smoothly from the start. If an unapproved vehicle sneaks in, you’ll be our go-to for flagging it so we can take action quickly. It’s a fast-paced, essential role that helps set the stage for a successful day!

Info. booths, Surveys and Public Engagement Guild: In this role, you'll be at the heart of the action—stationed at our info booths or *special zones, you'll engage with attendees, gather valuable feedback through a short survey (sweetened with a free gift!), help create a welcoming, well-organized experience, deliver ice to vendors and guide foot traffic. This role is perfect for outgoing, helpful volunteers who love being in the middle of it all and making the festival run smoothly from start to finish. *There are limited opportunities to volunteer in our special zones, so you must indicate your interest on the volunteer application to be considered. Roles include supporting the Family Fun Zone—which features face painting, movement activities, open-ended play, and animal interactions—or the New England Village, which showcases the region’s diverse food growers and makers and promotes the “50 by 60” Food Vision (Can New England produce 50% of its own food by 2060?). Please note that space in these zones is very limited, as only a few volunteers are needed at each location. **You must attend ONE of the mandatory training sessions on either 08/20 or 08/21 to volunteer in this role.

Chef Demo Support Team: Made up of dependable, hands-on volunteers who help keep our two demo kitchens running smoothly throughout the day. From setting up and breaking down the Seafood Throwdown stage to supporting chefs and keeping the Clarke Kitchen clean between demos, this team plays a key behind-the-scenes role in making sure the festival’s culinary highlights go off without a hitch.

Zero-waste Heroes: Be a sustainability superstar at the Boston Local Food Festival! As a Zero Waste Hero, you'll play a crucial role in helping us keep the festival green and clean. You’ll guide attendees in properly sorting their waste into compost, recycling, or trash – making a real impact on the environment while keeping the vibes positive and the grounds beautiful. All Zero Waste Heroes will receive training so you’ll know exactly what goes where. **You must attend ONE of the mandatory training sessions on either 08/27 or 08/28 to volunteer in this role.

Tear-Down & Clean-Up Team (evening only): These teams are made of people who are flexible to help wherever needed and ready to get right to work! At the beginning of the shift, you will report to your Zone Leader, who will tell you where to get started. Make sure to spend your $15 voucher at the beginning of your shift because the festival ends at 5:00. At 5:00; you will be responsible for taking down tables and chairs, gathering the signs in your zone, stacking chairs, picking up trash that is left behind, and helping vendors pack up their booths.

**PLEASE NOTE: All volunteers must attend a mandatory 1 hour volunteer training. Info. booths, Surveys and Public Engagement Guild and Zero Waste Heroes MUST attend an hour long pre-event training to understand your role. The training for Info. booths, surveys, and public engagement guild will be on 08/20 and 08/21. The training for Zero Waste Heroes will be on 08/27 and 08/28. If you are unable to attend this training or do not show up for this training, we will need you to shift to another responsibility.

If volunteers are under 18, you will need to fill out a Volunteer Waiver to confirm your age.

IMPORTANT: Volunteers will be on their feet and in the sun for a majority of their shift, so please bring comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a re-usable water bottle. Volunteers will be expected to stay the entire 4-hour session and arrive 15 minutes early to be checked in and organized into their role. Please sign up only if you will be available for the entire shift. All volunteers will receive a festival t-shirt and a $15 voucher to use at the festival as a token of our appreciation! Please reach out to Gabrielle at gabrielle@sbnmass.org with any questions.

MBTA Accessibility: Red Line - South Station, Downtown Crossing; Green Line - Haymarket, Govt. Center; Orange Line - Haymarket, Chinatown, Govt. Center; Blue Line - Aquarium, State Street; Silver Line - South Station; Commuter Rail - South Station or North Station; Bus Routes 4, 92, 93, 111, 325, 326, 424, 426, 428, 434, 450 at Haymarket; 4 along Atlantic Ave.; 4, 7, 11, 448, 449, 459 at South Station

At Boston Cares, we recognize that diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental values that guide our mission and work. Boston Cares is committed to creating a community where everyone is valued, respected, and can come and participate as their authentic selves. We expect that all volunteers and partners join us in promoting a safe and supportive space for everyone.