“My husband and I love volunteering at the food fest,” Ashley Lewis says. “It’s always so much fun and we get to see friends and family that we may not have seen for a little while. And most importantly, of course, is the amazing food!”
Behind every plate of brisket, bowl of matzah ball soup, and tray of rugelach at the Levite JCC’s Jewish Food and Culture Fest is a dedicated team of volunteers working weeks in advance to make it all happen.
This year’s event on Sunday, April 26, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. will once again rely on the more than 100 volunteers who typically help prepare food in the weeks leading up to the event and assist with dozens of roles at the event.
The work begins long before the gates open, with crews gathering in the kosher kitchen to cook dishes based on recipes that have been passed down for generations — from sweet noodle kugel and cabbage rolls to brisket and deli slaw.
Then on the day of the event, volunteers shift into festival mode. Some serve food, others help run activity booths or manage lines, while still others assist with setup, cleanup, and the countless details that keep the event running smoothly.
Note that kitchen shifts for some foods have yet to be scheduled.
A favorite event
And it’s worth the effort. The Jewish Food and Culture Fest has become one of Birmingham’s favorite food events, drawing some 2,000 visitors who come to socialize over homemade Jewish dishes, enjoy some entertainment, and peruse a lively vendor fair.
Whether you’d like to cook in the weeks before the festival or lend a hand on the big day, we need volunteers.
After all, Food Fest isn’t just about great food — it’s about the community coming together to share it.
Send questions about volunteering to event manager Erin Bodden.
