A Chili Cook Off For A Cause Taking Place At The Springs Tavern

The Springs Tavern in East Hampton will be home to an epic first-ever Chili Cook Off on Sunday, January 20 – in support of Springs Food Pantry and Share the Harvest Farm.

Taking place from 1 to 3 p.m., attendees will have the chance to taste test a myriad of chilis from local chefs and restaurants. So far, participants include The Springs Tavern, Nick & Toni’s/Townline BBQ, The Clubhouse, A Kitchen for Liam, South Fork Kitchens, Highway, Peter Ambrose, East Hampton Sportsmen Alliance, One Stop Market, and more.

There will be several varieties- including a venison chili and at least one veggie chili, as well as multiple traditional meat and beans options.

“What better way to beat the winter chill than a cup of hot chili and loads of good friends?” Jess Tonn of Share the Harvest Farm asked. “Thank you to The Springs Tavern for agreeing to host what’s sure to be a fun – and delicious – afternoon.”

Share the Harvest, which began on a half acre in 2010, now consists of seven acres in East Hampton. The organization’s mission is to grow and harvest high-quality, nutritious produce that it donates to local organizations who address food insecurity on the East End – such as South Fork food pantries, The Retreat, affordable housing complexes, East Hampton Town Senior Citizens Nutrition Center, and more.

“A great event for a great cause….Come warm up with some fabulous chili and help the many Springs residents that struggle daily against hunger,” added Holly Reichart-Wheaton of Springs Food Pantry.

Now in its 26th year, the Springs Food Pantry, a volunteer organization, assists those within the Springs School District who lack access to food. “Our seasonal economy leaves many working families short of funds during the winter months,” Reichart-Wheaton noted. East Hampton has the highest poverty rate in Suffolk County.

The Pantry utilizes donations for food and materials to package the food. “Last year 13,040 visits were made to the Springs Food Pantry, of those 7,631 were children,” Reichart-Wheaton relayed. “We are an independent, volunteer-run program, not subsidized by the Town.”

When a client visits the Pantry, the organization provides three nutritious meals, snacks and supplementary staples. “We are open one day per week, year round and even though winter has just recently reared its ugly head, we’ve already seen an 11 percent increase in the number of families requesting our assistance,” Reichart-Wheaton shared.

Admission to the Chili Cook Off is $20, which includes chili samples from all participating locations and a reusable mug.

The Springs Tavern is located at 15 Fort Pond Boulevard in East Hampton. For more information about the event of Share the Harvest Farm, visit www.sharetheharvestfarm.org. For more information about the Springs Food Pantry, visit www.springsfoodpantry.com.