Since 1995, the annual Canstruction Boston charity event has brought together architecture, engineering, and construction firms in the Greater Boston area to design and build sculptures made entirely of canned goods and other nonperishable food items—without the use of glue or other adhesives. These canned good sculptures provide an engaging way for visitors to learn about the fight against hunger in Massachusetts. After the sculptures are dismantled, all the canned goods are donated to the Merrimack Valley Food Bank (MVFB).

As we celebrate Canstruction Boston’s 25th Anniversary in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we look back at 25 years of creative and thoughtful structures that resulted in over one million pounds of food for people experiencing hunger in Massachusetts—and this year’s virtual design competition that is helping raise needed funds for the MVFB.

The exhibition provides information on hunger in Massachusetts, highlights 25 years of design-build excellence, and showcases this year’s virtual designs.

One out of 11 adults in Massachusetts experiences hunger—as do one in 10 children. Things right now are even more dire, as the COVID-19 pandemic and associated job losses have driven demand for food banks through the roof. At the same time, social distancing requirements have resulted in fewer fundraisers and canned food drives to stock the shelves at food banks. Learn more about the difference that the Merrimack Valley Food Bank makes, and how you can help make a difference too.

In 1995, Canstruction Boston started with nine teams designing and building unique structures entirely out of canned food, which were then donated to a local food bank. Over the past 25 years, the event has grown—including up to 29 teams a year building increasingly complex structures—but the intent has remained the same: to help fight hunger in Massachusetts. Together, we've raised more than one million pounds of food, totaling more than 800,000 meals. Look back at the past 25 years to understand the impact the event has made on our community!

Using a standardized set of rules and regulations, teams use their creativity, design and construction expertise, and collaboration skills to compete against each other for a handful of awards. The results are awe-inspiring and entertaining structures that help raise awareness about the issue of hunger. See some of the award-winning structures from the past 25 years.

The structures are the most recognizable part of Canstruction Boston’s annual event. Behind the scenes, though, our participating teams and committee volunteers make this event happen through hard work and determination – and they have a lot of fun in the process! From the early planning and design stage, through event promotion, to the actual build out – we invite you to take a peek behind the scenes!

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Canstruction Boston looked at how they could continue to benefit the MVFB while keeping people safe and socially distant. With this balance in mind, Canstruction Boston pivoted to a virtual design competition in 2020. Seventeen teams entered the design competition this year, submitting renderings, sketches, and videos to be considered for seven awards. View their designs here.

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