Chef Challenge is almost here!

On April 29th from 7:00-9:30 pm, the Acton Community Supper and Food Pantry will be hosting a CHEF CHALLENGE fundraiser at The Thoreau Club's Outdoor Center (275 Forest Ridge Rd) in Concord. This is a unique and fun event which should appeal not only to supporters of the pantry, but also to local foodies. Some of the best chefs in the area are participating, both caterers and restaurant chefs. The challenge is to create a signature dish inspired by a bag of food provided by the pantry. The box will contain staples that clients receive each week — such as potatoes, carrots, rice or pasta, bread, canned fruit and tomatoes, and peanut butter, as well as a mystery ingredient. The chefs may add any ingredients they wish, but must use everything in their bag. Culinary creativity is encouraged! The following eight chefs have committed to participating in the event: Filho's (Acton), Great Road Kitchen (Littleton), Rail Trail Flatbread (Hudson), Wilder Cuisine (Concord), The Concord Cheese Shop (Concord), True West (Acton), Debra's Natural Gourmet (Concord), and Evviva Cucina (Westford).

Guests at CHEF CHALLENGE will have a chance to sample each chef’s creation — which may be an hors d'oeuvre, entree, or dessert (or all three!) — and vote for their favorites. In addition to amazing food, there will also be a beer and wine tasting, and a silent and live auction. Some of the many items to bid on are restaurant gift certificates, artwork, gift baskets, sports event tickets, vacation homes, and cooking lessons.

But why is the Acton Community Supper and Food Pantry such a worthy cause? Most people who live in Acton and surrounding areas are not aware that families in their own town are going hungry. Some people need assistance for a short time as they get back on their feet after losing a job or a serious illness, and others are elderly and/or disabled and will continue to need help. Food-insecurity is a constant, on-going problem right in our backyard, and the Acton Community Supper and Food Pantry must continually raise funds and focus awareness on the needs of their clients. Very important work is being done out of a small building on the border of Acton and Boxborough, where currently around 200 families receive food and hope the first three Wednesdays each month. The Acton Community Supper and Food Pantry, Inc. is a non profit organization that was established in 1984 to alleviate hunger problems in the greater Acton, MA area. The food distributed comes from the Greater Boston Food Bank, local food drives at schools and churches, supermarket collection boxes, and fresh items from local vendors. It is an exhausting process that takes the dedication of over 100 volunteers to make happen each week, and then they do it again. The organization has moved locations a few times, and this fundraiser will help the Acton Community Supper and Food Pantry achieve their goal of purchasing a permanent home..

Tickets for CHEF CHALLENGE may be purchased in advance at https://www.actonfoodpantry.or... If you are not able to attend the event but still want to help, you can make a donation there as well.

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