A simple breakfast, many of us take for granted, is a luxury for some.

This Saturday, October 13, 2018, in Kelowna, I’m excited to attend as nine local chefs convene to cook at The Fork and Spoon Gala in support of the Central Okanagan Food Bank (COFB). Event organizer Cody Pollard of Fermented Dining was motivated to present this fundraising opportunity by his belief that no one should have to go hungry.

Says Pollard, “As a member of the Okanagan Chefs Association, I try to support as many initiatives as I can that ensure people have no need to choose between other expenses and food. We all need to eat to survive plus food is delicious. In this case, I decided to step up and plan a fun and creative event to directly align with the food bank’s mission.”

Nine talented chefs from around the Okanagan and the Okanagan Chefs Association have rallied around the cause to present nine courses with local wines, entertainment and a silent auction.

The special twist on this nine-course tasting menu is that our creative chefs can use only ingredients that the Food Bank currently has in the warehouse, drawing from these donations for inspiration.

While Food Banks strive to provide food that is fresh such as milk, eggs, bread, fruits and vegetables, we’ve all seen the stacks of macaroni-and-cheese boxes, peanut butter and soup tins in donation boxes in stores and offices. I’ve been fortunate enough to experience the cuisine of almost all of these gifted chefs so I can’t wait to see what they’ll cook for us within this challenge!

For more details and to purchase tickets with all proceeds benefitting COFB, click https://trellis.org/campaign/The%20Fork%20and%20Spoon%20Gala/5b6c8496414d544161c1153d (Price is $250 each or purchase a table of eight for $1,900.)

Learn more about the Central Okanagan Food Bank at Central Okanagan Food Bank which operates Kelowna and West Kelowna warehouses. You might be surprised, for instance, to learn that 33 per cent of clients are children under the age of 15. An incorporated society, registered charity, it is governed by an elected Board of Directors, and is a member of Food Banks Canada, Food Banks BC, the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Westside Board of Trade.

Join in the fun, if you can! If attending is not possible, please support your local food banks in whatever way you can manage.

#jointhefoodmovement