The Food Bank Hunger Games is an event like no other.  The creative competition blends elements from the popular Food Network TV Show, Chopped and the Hunger Games book and film franchise by challenging teams to create a healthy meal in under 45-minutes utilizing a box of food items that FBSJ typically distributes through its pantry network.

Hosted by FOX29 news anchor and reporter Bill Anderson, the event will showcase the competitive cooking skills of 10 corporate teams comprised of four competitors sponsored by South Jersey organizations, including: Federal Rent-A-Fence, HBK CPA and Consultants, Jefferson Health, GrayHair Software, Subaru, Holman Auto Group, CareOne, Parts Life, The Soulful Project and Wells Fargo. Returning this year is the event sponsor, Canada Dry, andSnapple.

“We challenge the teams participating in the competition to create something fabulous using ingredients similar to what you’d find at a food pantry,” says Val Traore, President, and CEO, Food Bank of South Jersey. “This event showcases what so many parents, grandparents, seniors and families are struggling with when trying to put a wholesome meal on the table. Our teams quickly find that it’s tough to create a healthy meal with limited resources, so this enables them to get creative and engage with the audience to sponsor the purchase of additional ingredients that will really make their dish sing. It’s wonderful to see how engaged and innovative they become knowing that this event gives our corporate sponsors the opportunity to give back and have fun with their teams while doing so.”

Teams are judged by a panel of four culinary experts and media personalities including Tammy Paolino, journalist and food blogger for the Courier-Post, Chef George Kyrtatas, recognized as one of the top four Greek chefs in the world and top five chefs in New Jersey in 2011, and Chef Aaron McCargo Jr., the 2008 winner of The Next Food Network Star. The judges make their selections based on taste, presentation, and use of four of the five MyPlate meal components. Culinary advisors from various local businesses including Wegman’s, Season 52, Shoprite Medford, Harvest Seasonal Grill and Silver Diner will mentor each team as they cook, prepare and present their dishes to the judging panel.

A dessert tasting and secondary competition will give a sweet finish to the evening through the Best of the Bite-Sized event which will showcase delicious treats made by local bakeries and restaurants including, Seasons 52, Woops and The Cake Box by Neelma.

“We’re thrilled to return this year as the event sponsor and of course to compete,” stated Canada Dry Delaware Valley Executive Vice President, John Taglienti. “Community service is imperative to our company’s mission, and this event gives our team the chance to support that initiative while engaging in a fun, team-building competition that impacts so many individuals in need. And we are indeed in to win!”

New features to the Food Bank Hunger Games include the Canada Dry Happy Hour Lounge complete with food, local wine, beer, and music.  In addition, Lyft is offering new or existing riders 25% off one ride (up to $10) to or from the event.

Those interested in attending the Food Bank Hunger Games can purchase tickets and find more information atwww.foodbanksj.org/hungergames.

About the Food Bank of South Jersey

The Food Bank of South Jersey (FBSJ) 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.