Pantry to Plate Cook-Off Benefits Hunger Relief in the Brazos Valley

BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) – The Brazos Valley Food Bank will host its second annual Pantry to Plate Chef Challenge on April 16 at the Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center.

Three local chefs will compete by transforming ingredients commonly found in the food bank’s warehouse into gourmet dishes. The chefs are Tanner Purdum of The Wild Grain Cafe, Blake Zeitman of Zeitman’s Grocery & Deli, and Irma Barrera of Taquero Moocho.

A panel of local celebrity judges will score the dishes, and attendees will also be able to join in by bidding on ingredient upgrades to give a favorite chef a competitive edge — or create a disadvantage for another competitor.

All money raised will go directly to the Brazos Valley Food Bank to support its mission of serving families across six counties in the Brazos Valley.

Organizers say the event is designed to highlight culinary creativity while supporting hunger relief in the Brazos Valley. Creating impressive plates from food bank staples, the event demonstrates how you don’t need expensive or fancy ingredients to make a great meal.

The event will be emceed by Karla Castillo and Alex Egan. “So we know it’s going to be a good time,” said Katie Egan of the Brazos Valley Food Bank.

Tickets and tables are available now through the Brazos Valley Food Bank’s website and social media pages.

Businesses and individuals interested in sponsoring the event should act fast—the sponsorship deadline is April 1.