Scroll Top
The Association Headquarters Team hyped up the crowd as they entered into the Food Bank Hunger Games competition arena.

As Published by NJ.com in Community Bulletin on May 03, 2017 at 2:59 PM, updated May 03, 2017 at 3:00 PM, PENNSAUKEN — Teams sponsored by South Jersey corporations showcased their competitive cooking skills at the fifth “Food Bank Hunger Games” held on April 27 at the Food Bank of South Jersey (FBSJ) headquarters.

The creative competition generated more than $30,000 for FBSJ’s Summer Meals program, which brings breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks to needy children during the summer months.

Winning this year’s prize was reigning 2016 Food Bank Hunger Games champion, The Soulfull Project.

In conjunction with the competition, the event featured wine tastings from local wineries curated by Visit South Jersey, a food tasting presented by Take It Home (a Haddonfield-based fresh meal delivery service featuring local, healthy, and sustainably sourced food items), and a secondary competition featuring local bakeries and restaurants competing for the “Best of the Bite-Sized Dessert” contest, in which Season 52 restaurant took home first-prize.

Bill Anderson, FOX29 news anchor and reporter, served as host for the evening.

The Food Bank of South Jersey is the leader in providing safe and nutritional food to people in need throughout South Jersey. FBSJ distributes food, provides nutrition education and cooking courses, and helps food-insecure families and seniors find sustainable ways to improve their lives. In 2016, FBSJ provided over 11 million pounds of food to approximately 200,000 South Jersey residents. Providing community impact through local support, FBSJ ensures that local donations stay local. FBSJ is a member of Feeding America, our nation’s largest hunger-relief organization. To learn more visit www.foodbanksj.org.

Maria Gamble and fellow team members of The Soulfull Project engage the crowd while cooking their prize-winning creation for the Food Bank Hunger Games judging panel.
hunger relief programs for children (PHOTOS) Singer/Songwriter, CC Miles, performed the National Anthem and her original songs during the Food Bank Hunger Games competition.
The evening’s host and emcee, Bill Anderson of FOX29, poses with the Food Bank Hunger Games Judges: (from left to right) Features Editor and food blogger at the Courier-Post, Tammy Paolino, restauranteur and 2008 winner of the Next Food Network Star Chef Aaron McCargo Jr., the “farming chef” and finalist on Hell’s Kitchen Season 10, Chef Barbie Marshall, and voted one of the top four Greek chefs in 2011, Chef George Kyrtatas.
The Food Bank of South Jersey team accepts a $10,000 check presented by John Taglienti, Executive Vice President of Canada Dry Delaware Valley and Snapple, of whom sponsored the evening’s festivities.
The Kennedy Health Team poses at the Food Bank Hunger Games with their mentor Chef Shawn Harris of Urban Promise Ministries.
A Team Subaru competitor presents their healthful dish to Food Bank Hunger Games Judge, Chef George Kyrtatas, owner of Sweetwater Bar & Grill in Cinnaminson.
Cooks from Team Subaru feverishly prepare a healthy and creative dish to present to the Food Bank Hunger Games judges.
FBSJ’s Summer Meals Team comprised of students from their Youth Nutrition Outreach Program, prepare their nutritious and creative dish which earned them the evening’s second place prize and compliments from the judging panel who were impressed by these young chefs’ cooking capabilities.
The 2017 Food Bank Hunger Games reigning champions and two-time competition winners, Chip Heim, Megan Shea, Maria Gamble, and Lisa Schipsi of The Soulfull Project pose with their well-earned, first place prize.
Team members from Holman Auto Group and Snapple/Canada Dry explain their dishes to Food Bank Hunger Games judges, Chef Barbie Marshall, a Hell’s Kitchen Season 10 finalist, and Chef Aaron McCargo Jr., restauranteur, author, and winner of the 2008 The Next Food Network Star.
The Soulfull Project team competitors and Chef Peter Chan of Harvest Seasonal Grill & Wine Bar, celebrate their win with family members, friends, and Food Bank Hunger Games judge, Chef George Kyrtatas.
Seasons 52 won first prize in a secondary Food Bank Hunger Games competition inviting audience members to taste and vote on the “Best of the Bite Sized” treats presented by various, local bakeries and restaurants.
Skip to content