Page 160 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2017

DINING feeding the community
story by Kelsey Sunderman-Foster photos courtesy of Feeding the Gulf Coast
W hen people hear about a population dealing with a hunger crisis, immediately their minds tend to go to Third World countries; places that are distant from their own homes. However, this problem hits
closer to home than some might think. Across the Gulf Coast, one in every six people — including one in four children — struggle with food insecurity.
Feeding people in the local community is a top priority for Feeding the Gulf Coast, an organization formerly known as Bay Area Food Bank. Feeding the Gulf Coast serves a 24-county area spanning southern Mississippi, lower Alabama and the Florida Panhandle.
“In 2016, the food bank helped provide more than 18 million meals to families and individuals through our network of over 400 church pantries, soup kitchens and other nonprofit organizations,” said Cathy Pope, president and CEO of Feeding the Gulf Coast. “The food bank also operates multiple hunger- relief and nutrition programs, is a United Way agency and a member of Feeding America.”
One of the key ways that Feeding the Gulf Coast aims to battle hunger is through its fundraiser, Chef Challenge — A Challenge to End Hunger. “This is our first major charity event in the Mississippi area,” Pope said. “Guests will enjoy excellent entertainment, a delicious variety of tastings from local casino chefs, complimentary beer and wine, and a robust silent auction.”
The Chef Challenge marks the beginning of Hunger Action Awareness Month, Feeding America’s nationwide awareness campaign designed to mobilize the public to join the fight against hunger in America.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to cast their vote for the best dishes of the night as chefs compete for a spot in the World Food Championship, which will be held in Orange Beach, Alabama. Categories include Best Soup, Best Appetizer, Best Entrée and Best Dessert. All proceeds from the Mississippi Chef Challenge will go towards providing funding for Feeding the Gulf Coast’s multiple hunger-relief programs in southern Mississippi.
The Chef Challenge September 21, 6-9 p.m. Biloxi Civic Center
Feeding the Gulf Coast Main Branch
5248 Mobile South St., Theodore, AL 36582 251.653.1617
Feeding the Gulf Coast Mississippi Office 1501 34th St., Gulfport, MS 39501 228.896.6979
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