Frequently Asked Questions

  • FoodForward is a social enterprise project of the Cambridge Food Bank where groups and individuals can dive into food-focused fun while making a real difference! Whether you're cooking, baking, sorting donations or getting your hands dirty in our community garden, you'll have a blast participating in meaningful activities that help our community thrive.

  • FoodForward experiences are a powerful way to support the Cambridge Food Bank and advance our mission to build health and belonging through food, education, and advocacy. Through hands-on activities, businesses, organizations and community members contribute directly to our work—generating revenue that funds programs like our Community Pantry, which provides emergency food support.

    These experiences also help us break down stigma by welcoming people into our space and showing that food banks are vibrant, empowering places where community thrives. Participants build team connections, learn new skills, and have fun, all while giving back in a meaningful way.

    When groups and individuals share their FoodForward experiences, they help amplify our message—sparking conversations, inspiring others to get involved, and strengthening our collective response to hunger.

    Participation fees cover the cost of the experience, with all proceeds reinvested into our food security programs.

    While it’s a shift from traditional volunteer models, it allows us to offer a high-quality, meaningful experience while supporting food security in a sustainable way.

    Individual volunteer opportunities are available through the Cambridge Food Bank volunteer page.

  • This is a fee-for-service experience and there will not be a charitable receipt issued.

  • FoodForward classes are fun, hands-on experiences designed to bring people together around food — whether it’s a group of coworkers, friends, or individuals signing up on their own. These paid experiences include ingredients, materials, guided instruction, and coordination, with all proceeds supporting Cambridge Food Bank programs.

    Our Cambridge Food Bank programs, on the other hand, are designed specifically to support individuals and families facing food insecurity. They focus on building food skills, confidence, and connection.

    Both types of programs empower people through food — FoodForward helps generate funds and awareness of our mission, and our free programs help fulfill it.

  • Absolutely! Everyone is welcome at FoodFoward. We offer our experiences to non-profits, community groups, and sports teams, for a suggested fee or for a food drive.

    See our Community Group & Non Profit Experience page for more info.

  • Definitely! We offer a range of activities, so you can choose the one that excites your group the most. Got something special in mind? Just reach out to us and we’ll do our best to make it happen!

  • No experience needed — just bring your enthusiasm! Our friendly staff will guide you through every step of the process, so everyone can join in and have fun.

  • Comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes are a must, and you might want to wear something you don’t mind getting a little messy! We’ll send over any extra guidelines depending on the activity you choose.

  • Everyone is welcome in our space! That said, participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. We love working with corporate teams, small businesses, sports teams, community groups, families, and more. It’s a great way to bond while doing something meaningful together.

  • We take care of the logistics — from sourcing ingredients to scheduling — so you can focus on having fun and making an impact. Your group will receive photos to share your experience, and most experiences will include a tour of the Cambridge Food Bank and/or Community Garden!

  • Please refer to our terms and conditions here.