Fans of the annual Springs Food Pantry and Share the Harvest Farm chili cook off are in luck: it will take place on Saturday, February 27. However, the 3rd iteration will be to-go only.
“Springs Food Pantry and Share the Harvest Farm’s 3rd annual chili cook off is back – with a socially distanced twist,” Holly Reichart-Wheaton, Springs Food Pantry Chairperson, explained. “Even though the event is not a contest this year, our drive-thru, hot-to-go chili choices prepared by 20 plus local chefs and restaurants guarantee to provide lots of comfort and heartfelt cheer.”
The winter comfort food will be available to pick up from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Springs Community Presbyterian Church.
“The chili cook off is always the highlight of our winter and we’re so happy to be able to continue this event in a safe – and fun! – way,” Jess Tonn of Share the Harvest, a non-profit farming organization, noted. “We appreciate the generosity of the many chefs who are donating their time and soup, and our many friends who are volunteering to make the event run smoothly for everyone.”
The 2021 chili cook off will highlight culinary delights from A Kitchen for Liam, Around the Fire Catering, Bostwick’s Catering, Breadzilla, Darren Boyle of The Palm, East End Food Institute, East Hampton Sportsmen’s Alliance, Grindstone Coffee & Donuts, Hamptons Sourdough, Lulu Kitchen & Bar, Main Street Tavern, Mary’s Marvelous, Nick & Toni’s, One Stop Market, Peter Ambrose, Plate in Progress, Sen, Simply Sublime, Springs General Store, and Springs Tavern.
“Your donation of $25 will get you two 12 oz. servings of your choice, a Hampton Sourdough baguette, utensils and our signature reusable mug,” Reichart-Wheaton shared.
As per usual, chili cook off proceeds support Spring Food Pantry and Share the Harvest’s shared mission of helping feed local families in need. Food insecurity across the nation has skyrocketed this past year because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, leaving unprecedented numbers seeking such assistance. Demand at the Springs Food Pantry is up more than 300 percent. “The Springs Food Pantry is currently feeding over 850 Springs residents weekly, and as unemployment and underemployment persist, our numbers continue to soar and our food costs continue to climb,” Reichart-Wheaton noted. “All proceeds from the event will support our mission and that of Share the Harvest Farm’s to help feed local families in need.” To aid the Springs Food Pantry, Share the Harvest Farm provides fresh produce that is sustainably grown in their East Hampton fields.
Tickets are $25 in advance or at the door. Cash is preferred for in person ticket sales.
Springs Community Presbyterian Church is located at 5 Old Stone Highway in East Hampton. For tickets, or more information about the Springs Food Pantry, visit www.springsfoodpantry.com. For tickets, or more information about Share the Harvest Farm, visit www.sharetheharvestfarm.org.