The Food Bank of South Jersey’s Hunger Games Raises $50,000

Teams sponsored by South Jersey corporations recently showcased their cooking skills at the seventh "Food Bank Hunger Games" held at the Food Bank of South Jersey’s (FBSJ) Pennsauken headquarters. The creative competition raised $50,000 for FBSJ’s children’s programs, which provide breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks to needy children during the summer months, and meals to children after school. Hosted by FOX29 reporter Hank Flynn, the event was supported by lead sponsor Canada Dry and Snapple.

The Hunger Games 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 less than 45 minutes utilizing a box of food items that FBSJ typically distributes through its pantry network. All of the ingredients used in the competition were sponsored by Wegmans.

This year’s big winner was team Surprise from CareOne with their mentor chef, Barry Carter. Other corporate teams vying for first place were: Federal Rent-A-Fence, HBK CPAs and Consultants, DeVal Lifecycle Support, Jefferson Health, Subaru, Holman Enterprises, M&T Bank, Forman Mills, Capehart Scatchard, Wells Fargo and Virtua. Culinary advisors Wegmans, Seasons 52, The Canteen, Campbell’s Soup, Cooper University Hospital, In the Kitchen Cooking School, NY & Dad’s Quick Eats, Harvest Seasonal Grill & Wine Bar, The Local and Hash House A Go Go mentored each team as they cooked, prepared and presented their dishes to the judging panel. Please add a line about the judges and include their names. This year’s judges included: Tammy Paolino, journalist and food blogger for the Courier Post; Tony Luke Jr., entrepreneur, restaurateur and founder of Tony Luke’s; Chef Milly, recognized as one of the top chefs in the Philadelphia and two-time “Hell’s Kitchen” contestant; and Marilyn Johnson, founder and food blogger for Philly Grub.

“Each year this competition highlights what so many parents, grandparents, seniors and families in South Jersey struggle with when they try to put a wholesome meal on the table,” said Fred Wasiak, President and CEO, Food Bank of South Jersey. “We would not be able to host events like this without the generous support of our sponsors. We’re especially grateful for our returning event sponsors, Canada Dry and Snapple, and appreciate our competing and non-competing sponsors – especially those that return each year to support and compete in this wonderful, high-energy event.”

In addition to the competition, the event featured a dessert tasting and secondary competition where local bakeries and restaurants competed for the “Best of the Bite Sized” title, in which Chloe’s Crème Puffs took home the first prize. Attendees also enjoyed the Canada Dry Happy Hour Lounge, which featured music, food, beer provided by Double Nickel Brewery and local wine from Cedar Rose Vineyards, White Horse Winery, Villari Vineyards and Plagido’s Winery.

Photo Captions

Photo 1: Joe Ford, Chairman of the Food Bank of South Jersey Board of Trustees, the Food Bank Hunger Games winning team, Surprise from CareOne with their mentor chef, Barry Carter and Fred Wasiak, president and CEO, Food Bank of South Jersey.

Photo 2: The Food Bank Hunger Games 2019 Judges, Chef Milly, recognized as one of the top chefs in Philadelphia and two-time “Hell’s Kitchen” contestant; Tammy Paolino, journalist and food blogger for the Courier Post; Marilyn Johnson, founder and food blogger for Philly Grub; and Luke Jr., entrepreneur, restaurateur and founder of Tony Luke’s.

Photo 3: The Food Bank Hunger Games winning team, CareOne with their winning dish.

Photo 4: Team Holman enters the competition in style.

Photo 5: Team Jefferson Health explains their prepared dish to the judges.

Photo 6: The Food Bank Hunger Games’ judges taste and score a team’s dish.

Photo 7: Team Virtua with their mentor chef Kathy Gold.

Photo 8: The Food Bank Hunger Games winning team, Surprise from CareOne.