Culinary Competition Aims to Tackle Food Insecurity in Pasadena

In a unique blend of culinary artistry and community service, Friends In Deed is set to host “Cooking for a Cause 2024” on Monday, June 24, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Agnes Restaurant and Cheesery in Pasadena.

The event, presented in partnership with Agnes Restaurant and Cheesery, located at 40 W. Green Street, aims to highlight the issue of food insecurity in the local community while raising funds for Friends In Deed programs serving greater Pasadena.

Aspiring chefs will compete in a high-stakes culinary challenge, crafting dishes using pantry staples and surprise “mystery” ingredients sourced from the Friends In Deed Food Pantry.

The competition will last one hour, after which a panel of expert chef judges will determine the champion of Cooking for a Cause 2024.

Supporters can attend the live in-kitchen experience or an on-site viewing party, with sponsorship levels ranging from $250 to $25,000, each including an At-home ‘try it yourself’ mystery shopping list.

Those unable to attend in person can watch the livestream for free on Monday, June 24, from 6:20-7:30 p.m. via the Friends In Deed Cooking for a Cause website, https://friendsindeedpas.org/cookingforacause/. 

The event has garnered support from various sponsors, including Barbara Levinson, Pasadena Methodist Foundation/First United Methodist of Pasadena, and Gunde and Ernest Posey at the Chef de Cuisine level.

Additional sponsors include Connie Holguin and Jennifer and John Robinson at the Pastry Chef level, with numerous supporters at the Vegetable Chef, Sauté Chef, and Grill Chef levels.

Friends In Deed, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Federal Tax ID #95-1644608), encourages participants to try the cooking challenge at home using a provided mystery basket shopping list.

All event supporters of $100 or more will receive this list to try the challenge at home for 48 hours following the live event.

This initiative aims to raise awareness about the cost of groceries that the Food Pantry provides weekly to over 600 households in need.

Home participants are encouraged to share the cooked meal with a friend, discuss the experience, and share photos on social media, tagging Friends In Deed for a chance to win promotional items.