Chili Cook-Off Set To Help Feed The Needy In Toms River

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Bring your appetite and get ready for some spice: the JBJ Soul Kitchen Chili Cook-Off is coming up.

The chili cook-off is a fundraiser for JBJ Soul Kitchen, which provides healthy, locally sourced meals to in-need and paying customers, to address issues of food insecurity. It also provides opportunities for those in need to volunteer and gain access to services to help them build better lives.

The cook-off will be held Sunday, Oct. 16 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at JBJ Soul Kitche, 1769 Hooper Ave.

Fire, EMS, police departments and first aid squads will compete for first, second and third places.

Guests can pay $20 for the opportunity to taste all the featured chili entries and vote for their favorite.

In addition to the chili, healthy, seasonal appetizers created by Executive Chef Rob Wood will be available for all guests, and there will be free children’s activities provided by Home Run Party Entertainment, including face painting, balloon twisting, glitter tattoos and more.

"Our Chili Cook-Off is a great yearly event that everyone loves and looks forward to," said Lou Morreale, who is the general manager of the JBJ Soul Kitchens in Toms River and Red Bank. "The competition is fierce and the victory is sweet."

And the first responder chili chefs "are super creative with their take on chili," Morreale said.

In addition, there will be ceramic bowls for sale, part of the "Every Bowl Feeds a Soul" Empty Bowls Event, a yearlong effort to raise hunger awareness. The bowls were handcrafted by students throughout New Jersey and are available for a $20 Pay It Forward donation.

"This is one of my favorite events," said Joanne Gwin, community coordinator of JBJ Soul Kitchen Toms River. "It is an opportunity for everyone attending to be part of something bigger than themselves. Everyone attending the event Pays It Forward with their entrance fee, and each Pay It Forward provides a meal for someone in the community who is facing food insecurity."

Along with the Chili Cook-Off, Fulfill’s People’s Pantry, of The B.E.A.T. Center, will be hosting a Holiday Wish List food drive. Those attending are asked to bring nonperishable food items such as canned vegetables, boxed potatoes and stuffing, spices, baking items and mixes, and manual can openers, to help those faced with food insecurity.

Members of local emergency services organizations are welcome to compete. Information is on the Chili Cook-Off webpage or send an email to Joanne at joanne@jbjsoulkitchen.org.

The list of anticipated participants is as follows, subject to change:

• Lanoka Harbor EMS
• Melrose Hose Company/Sayreville Fire Department
• NJ State Police-Holmdel
• Ocean County Sheriffs PBA Local 379
• President Park Fire Co/Sayreville Fire Department
• Sayreville Engine Co #1/Sayreville Fire Department
• Sayreville Police Department
• Six Flags EMS
• Toms River Fire Company 1
• Union Beach Police Department