Sustainable Food & Culture
About
Sustainable Food and Culture is a Cambridge-based organization that works to build community wellness and cross-cultural understanding, with a focus on respecting diversity in food systems and cultures. Through economic development programs, it aims to improve the lives of economically and socially disadvantaged and underserved people. Its best-known event is Boston JerkFest, an outdoor Caribbean-style food festival celebrating Jamaican jerk spiced food and all things spicy and hot.
JerkFest, now in its 13th edition, is a multi-day summer event at the Harvard Athletic Complex, just over the bridge from Harvard Square. It brings together Caribbean, international and local food vendors, chef demos, live music headliners, a Spice Lane of New England hot sauces, and a Kids and Culture Zone with performances such as the Cambridge Carnival Youth Steel Orchestra. A 21-plus Rum and Brew Tasting kicks off the weekend and doubles as a fundraiser for the organization, and the 2026 edition added a free community soccer day.
What to Know
- Boston Magazine named Boston JerkFest the Best Food Festival in 2022, and Zagat listed it among Boston’s top 10 summer food festivals.
- The organization is also affiliated with the Boston Local Food Festival.
- Through the Card to Culture program, EBT, WIC and ConnectorCare cardholders receive reduced festival admission.
- Children 12 and under get free festival admission with an accompanying adult.
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