News Summary
Bracken’s Kitchen, a nonprofit focused on food insecurity, held its annual Hungry Games culinary competition in Garden Grove. Despite the significance of September 11, the event proceeded as planned, featuring competition among talented chefs, including award-winning dishes from the Orange County Fire Authority. The fundraiser aimed to raise $500,000 to support the nonprofit’s mission of combating hunger in the community, an issue affecting nearly 500,000 residents in Orange County. Community support and generous donations were key to making this event a success.
Garden Grove Hosts Annual Hungry Games Fundraiser
Garden Grove, California – Bracken’s Kitchen, a well-known nonprofit organization in Orange County dedicated to addressing food insecurity, held its annual Hungry Games culinary competition and fundraiser on the significant date of September 11, 2023. Despite initial considerations to change the event date due to the historical importance of 9/11, the organizers opted to proceed, coinciding with its tradition of hosting the event every second Thursday in September.
This year’s event saw the participation of the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA), who won awards for their culinary creations. Competing against more than a dozen talented chefs, the OCFA was awarded the trophy for the best savory dish, showcasing their Korean beef tacos with kimchi, cilantro, onion, toasted sesame seeds, and a spicy aioli sauce. Fire Captain Greg Barta accepted the trophy, remarking on the meaningfulness of their victory occurring on a day that remembers those lost in the 2001 terror attacks.
In addition to the savory category, the award for best pastry was claimed by Chef Rick Boxeth from Santa Ana Sweets for his delectable lemon bars. This friendly competition aimed to raise awareness and funds to support Bracken’s Kitchen’s ongoing mission to combat food insecurity in the community.
Fundraising and Community Support
The Hungry Games event featured both live and silent auctions, with a fundraising goal of $500,000, crucial for supporting various programs. This amount represents around 10% of Bracken’s Kitchen’s annual operating budget, which supported the provision of over 2.2 million meals last year at an average cost of less than $2 per meal due to their innovative food rescue program.
Approximately 500 guests attended the event at Bracken’s Kitchen headquarters in Garden Grove. Among the notable chefs participating were Rodrigo Ceja from Driftwood Kitchen, who wowed guests with his Glacier 51 Chilean sea bass, and Chef Rich Mead, who offered carrot hot dogs flavored with chorizo. The collective efforts of these chefs and the enthusiastic attendance reflect a community committed to addressing hunger.
Impact of Hunger in Orange County
Bracken’s Kitchen operates through three main services: a rescue food program, a culinary training program, and a community feed program. The issue of food insecurity remains pressing in Orange County, where nearly 500,000 residents face hunger, a problem exacerbated by recent government funding cuts impacting partner organizations.
During the event, a moment of silence was observed for the victims of 9/11, acknowledging the weight of the day and honoring those affected. Bill and Molly Bracken emphasized the mission of Bracken’s Kitchen and the significance of combating food waste, while also inspiring participants and attendees with their ongoing commitment to the community.
Generous Sponsorships and Contributions
Significant contributions also helped bolster the event, such as a $40,000 donation from Food 4 Less/Foods Co. to support the Hungry Games. The generosity of local businesses and chefs demonstrates an ongoing commitment to not only make a livelihood but to contribute to the broader welfare of the community.
The Hungry Games not only raises essential funds for Bracken’s Kitchen but also aims to increase awareness about hunger and food insecurity issues in Orange County while promoting culinary creativity among local chefs. The successful event reaffirmed Bracken’s Kitchen’s vital role in the community and its relentless fight against food waste and hunger.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Firefighters Join the Fray at Bracken’s Kitchen Hungry Games
- Los Angeles Times: Bracken’s Kitchen Aims to Beat the Odds at Annual Hunger Games Event
- CBS News: Bracken’s Kitchen Hosts the Hungry Games for a Fifth Year
- Orange County Business Journal: 10 Years of Meals at Bracken’s Kitchen
- Los Angeles Times: Daily Pilot e-Newspaper Article
- Wikipedia: Food Insecurity
- Google Search: Food Insecurity California
- Google Scholar: Food Rescue Programs
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Food Security
- Google News: Food Hunger California
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
