International Food Festival 2026

This is a volunteer led event - the countries represented are led by volunteers. The event is organized by the Rochambeau events department in coordination with PAR.   

• What is the difference between a table-lead and table-volunteer?

  • Table leads (chef de table) have the responsibilities listed below.  Table volunteers (sous chef) will bring a dish; they are also welcome to help in any other way such as by decorating the table, hosting during the event, etc. 

    • Table Leads Responsibilities

      • Represent a country, region or theme at a table at the International Food Festival 

      • Bring a dish or dishes that you would like to showcase 

      • Coordinate with families and friends to bring dishes, decorate, and to spend a bit of time during the event supervising behind the table

      • Engage with festival attendees, sharing the cultural significance of your dishes 

      • Assist with event clean-up and teardown of your table

• I don't know how to find other people for my country/table!

  • We will happily connect you with other families. Please reach out to communication@rochambeau.org.

• Why should I do this?

  • For fun!  For friends! 

• I have more questions - whom do I ask?
  • Please email us communication@rochambeau.org and let us know what is on your mind.  We will also be hosting a online meetings, so please let us know if you are interested.

• Are we cooking food or buying food to bring?

  • You may cook or purchase food; that is up to your and your fellow volunteers. 

• What kind of food should I bring?

  • Main dishes, appetizers, sides, savory snacks, desserts, etc.  We are aiming for easy individual portions.  You can bring food for people to enjoy at the event, as well as to take home with them.  Again - up to you and your fellow volunteers.

• How much food should we cook?

  • Keep in mind this is a very well-attended event and we should aim to have a large amount of each dish, if possible.  You could either double/triple your recipes and/or coordinate and share recipes so multiple people are making the same thing.  

•  What about the no-nut policy?

  • All food must be clearly labeled with all the ingredients.  Any food with nuts will be clearly labeled.  It will not be possible to make this event fully nut-free, as food will be brought from family kitchens and facilities that deal with nuts and other possible allergens

• Should I bring decorations for my table?

  • Yes!  Rochambeau staff and PAR will be coordinating location logistics, parking, electrical outlet needs, tables, chairs, etc.  Food, decorations, fun is brought by the volunteers!

• Can I play music at my table?

  • Highly unlikely as we anticipate the gym being a rather boisterous venue. However, if there is music you would like to be played, please email communication@rochambeau.org

• How do I keep my food hot/cold?

  • Outlets and extension cords will be provided; we encourage you to bring crockpots (not hotplates and other kitchen electronics as these pose a fire-hazard) and make sure to label them so everyone knows they are yours!  Don’t have a crockpot?  Coordinate with your fellow volunteers! Need to keep a dish cold?  We will be providing coolers and ice if you let us know they are needed ahead of time -  please mark this in the volunteer sheet and/or email us.

• Forks, spoons, plates?

  • Rochambeau will be providing utensils, plates, napkins. (That said if you have something special you would like to bring, please do.)

• Serving spoons, platters?

  • We encourage you to bring this (and use disposable if you are worried about keeping track of it).  

• What is the size of the tables?

  • This will depend on your needs and how many volunteers/dishes your country is providing.  We have both 6’ and 8’ tables (30” deep).

• Do I get a budget for this?

  • This is a community fundraising event, so we are all working together to donate our time and resources to benefit the school.