Boston’s 17th annual Can Share Food Drive and eighth annual CANSTRUCTION, a community service project sponsored by the Society of Design Administration, kicked off on Monday at Boston’s Museum of Science.

The Can Share Food Drive places drop-off boxes at office buildings throughout downtown Boston and will accept donations for the next three weeks. The program tries to involve both city departments and local businesses in an effort to battle hunger in the city, planners said.

‘The mayor is a huge fan of Can Share and usually attends the kick-off event each year,’ said Eliza Greenberg, director of the city’s Emergency Shelter Commission. ‘He is committed to the issues of hunger and homelessness and goes to shelters on Thanksgiving.’

Along with the Food Drive began CANSTRUCTION, a national project started in New York 10 years ago that has been brought to 40 U.S. cities over the past decade.

The program has been on display at the Museum of Science for the last four years.

CANSTRUCTION allows architects, engineers and students to design and construct large displays and models using cans and other non-perishable food items. The exhibit features of the work of 21 firms, and was sponsored by Shaw’s Supermarkets in partnership with Prince Pasta.

The exhibit will be on display in the Nichols Gallery at the Museum of Science until Nov. 7.

‘Architects like to get their hands on it and are able to work freely with the design, while showcasing their talent,’ said Holly Connor, the Chair of Boston’s CANSTRUCTION project.

Amy Riemer, a spokeswoman for the Greater Boston Food Bank the recipient of the food from both programs said the proceeds will be distributed to the hundreds of pantries and shelters in eastern Massachusetts that the Food Bank serves, feeding an estimated 90,000 people per week from nine different counties.

‘We encourage people to go to the Museum of Science to check out the exhibit,’ Riemer said. ‘This is also our busiest time of the year, and we would welcome college students wishing to volunteer with the Greater Boston Food Bank.’

The Food Bank received more than 40,000 pounds of food last year from CANSTRUCTION alone. Connor said there are 52,000 pounds of food on display in the Nichols Gallery this year.

Greenberg said Mayor Thomas Menino has been involved with both programs from the start and, although he could not attend the openings Monday, will be present at closing events.

The peak season for groups like the Greater Boston Food Bank usually begins in the fall and continues through the holiday season. Therefore, every volunteer effort does make a difference to the community, Riemer said, and the public is urged to take an interest in these key issues.

Jane Mastrocola, a spokeswoman from the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, said she attended the opening of CANSTRUCTION because of its use of the arts and its influence on the community.

Mastrocola said CANSTRUCTION shows imagination, adding, ‘The visualization of a labeled can and the making of the structure brings out the design, which is quite phenomenal.’