Boston Public Library Launches Annual Spice Race
Twelve library branches compete to collect donations for local food pantries before the April deadline.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Do you regularly donate food or kitchen staples to local community pantries?
The Boston Public Library has kicked off its annual BPL Spice Race, inviting patrons to donate unopened dried herbs and spices to support area food pantries. Twelve branches are participating in the friendly competition to see which location can gather the most contributions.
Why it matters
Spices are often expensive and frequently overlooked during food donation drives, yet they are essential for adding flavor and nutrition to home-cooked meals. This program addresses that gap while fostering community engagement across the library system during the holiday season.
The BPL Spice Race involves 12 library branches across Boston. The collection effort, which began nearly five years ago, focuses on gathering unopened spices and dried herbs for local community college and neighborhood food pantries.
The players
Boston Public Library
The Boston Public Library is a municipal institution serving the city and providing access to information, educational resources, and community programming.
Newsfeed Café
The Newsfeed Café is a location within the Central Library that acts as a collection point but is not a participant in the competition.
The details
Patrons can contribute to the drive by dropping off unopened spices and dried herbs at any of the 12 participating library branches. Library staff facilitate the final delivery of the donated items to local food pantries and community college programs, while the winning branch earns a group spice-blending class.
Timeline
The spice drive was originally launched in 2021.
The collection period for the current race ends April 15, 2027.
Market Landscape
The initiative highlights a shift in community food security efforts toward specialized donation programs that address specific nutritional and culinary needs. By turning the effort into a branch-wide competition, the library system differentiates its outreach from standard, generic community food drives.
Patrons can support their neighborhood branches and help improve the quality of meals for recipients at local food pantries by donating unused spices. Residents should confirm their local branch is participating before dropping off donations, as the Newsfeed Café does not qualify for the race.
The takeaway
Donating spices can significantly enhance the meals provided to those relying on local pantries. Before donating, ensure all containers remain unopened to comply with food safety standards for community programs.
What happens next
The current donation collection period is scheduled to conclude on April 15, 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about local community efforts at Boston Philanthropy.
More information
For more details on how to contribute or to find a drop-off location, visit the BPL spice race information page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Boston Globe.
Live Poll
Do you regularly donate food or kitchen staples to local community pantries?
