On July 7, the Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger will host its annual Walk Against Hunger Celebration, where it will present nearly $140,000 in checks to 98 food pantries and soup kitchens. The event, which will also include a Soup Kitchen Cook-Off, will take place at Resurrection Baptist Church from noon to 2 p.m.

Nearly $250,000 was raised by individuals and companies who participated in the Coalition’s Walk Against Hunger in April. The money—which pantries may use to purchase food, equipment or to meet other needs—is especially important this year. Demand for food at Philadelphia food cupboards is up 33 percent from last year, while the cost of food has shot up 20 percent. Additional money raised will go toward Coalition programs that help build capacity in food pantries and soup kitchens.

In addition to the check presentations, food pantry coordinators and other supporters will participate in a Soup Kitchen Cook-Off. Chef Delilah Winder of Delilah’s Southern Cuisine—who has appeared on NBC’s Today Show, Oprah and the Food Network—will once again serve as the event’s celebrity judge.

Who:               98 community feeding programs
Carey Morgan, executive director, Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger
Delilah Winder, chef and entrepreneur

What:             $140,000 in check presentations and a Soup Kitchen Cook-Off

When:             Tuesday, July 7, 2009: Noon to 2 p.m.

Where:            Resurrection Baptist Church (5401 Lansdowne Ave., Philadelphia, PA)
Parking available