The Greater Cleveland Food Bank is a charity that is near and dear to my heart. They the largest hunger relief organization in Northeast Ohio having provided more than 57 million meals in 2018 to hungry people in Cuyahoga, Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake, Ashland and Richland counties. I'm very fortunate to eat well so helping to ensure others have nutritious food is really important to me. And when helping involves going to an fantastic party with 50+ delicious things to try, how can you resist? Market at the Food Bank is a really fun way to help.
One night a year the Food Bank decks out their warehouse for their biggest party of the year. This incredible party benefits Harvest for Hunger and it's a blast. Instead of holding this event at a fancy location they host it in the midst of all the boxes and cans and pallets of food which really shows everyone how great the need is and how much help they provide the community.
There were so many fantastic restaurant partners that it was impossible to try everything they offered...but I did my best!
Some of the standouts this year were:
The Zucchini Noodles in Sesame Sauce and Eggplant from the Zack Bruell Restaurant Group (I think there were carrot noodles too)
Mama Roberto's cannoli
The Sanson Company's delicious liitle bites of marscapone and fresh berries with a Zinfandel and Berry Reduction and Fresh Basil
Nomad Culinary Catering's Balsamic Braised Eggplant with Mint and Arrancini
My favorite bite of the night came from Jack Casino - their Caramel and Chocolate Crunch Parfait was seemingly simple but it was a surprise taste sensation.
This year is the Food Bank's 40th Anniversary and it was extra special. Obviously everyone in attendance thought so too because they raised more than $347,000 to support #HarvestforHunger! This translates to more than 1.38 million meals!!
Even if you missed the party, you can still help. Donate to the Food Bank, go to another event, or volunteer - it's a lot of fun!
** Disclosure: I was asked to help promote the event and was given two tickets. The Food Bank is one of our awesome clients at work and I've volunteered for them. I love the food bank! All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. **
