Event Recap: Market at the Food Bank 2019

This past Sunday brought us another delightful Market at the Food Bank to benefit the Harvest for Hunger campaign for the Greater Cleveland Food Bank.

More than 1,000 attendees gathered in the warehouse of the Food Bank to stroll and sample food from over 50 local restaurants and beverage purveyors. Mr. H and I were immediately drawn to one of our favorite chef tables, John Selick of University Hospitals/Sodexo. He's always churning out some of the best bites at any food event he's involved with!

You get to wander through the impressive racks of food that will be distributed out to our community's pantries, hot meals programs, kids program sites, and fresh produce distributions, all while stopping at food and drink stations to sample from spots all across town.

Lucky for us, one of our last bites of the night also ended at a long-time favorite of ours, Nomad Culinary. This dynamic couple slings out amazing food for any type of meeting or special occasion you're hosting, and is always one of the first catering recommendations I give out! Their vegetarian Balsamic Braised Eggplant with Mint and Arrancini was so good.

Another favorite dish for me was the Mac n' Cheese from MELT Bar + Grilled. Why have I never strayed from the grilled cheese there? That may need to change.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Food Bank, and the need in our community is greater than ever. For every $1 donated, they can provide 4 meals in a local hunger center. Market at the Food Bank 2019 raised $347,000. That's 1.38 million meals provided. 

This is one annual event that we don't like to miss, but the Food Bank needs assistance year-round. Make a gift, host a food drive, or volunteer your time. The recipients of their good work in Northeast Ohio need it the most. 

Disclosure: I was provided with two General Admission tickets in exchange for event promotion. I am a former employee of the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. All opinions stated are 100% my own.

Market at the Food Bank 2019

It's April, and that means it's time for one of my favorite fundraising events of the year, Market at the Food Bank. Now the organization will always be near and dear to my heart, as I believe in their simple mission of feeding hungry neighbors in Northeast Ohio, but they also gave me my first Cleveland job.

Market at the Food Bank is a very special event celebrating the Greater Cleveland Food Bank’s
Harvest for Hunger campaign. The event will take place on Sunday, April 28th in the Greater
Cleveland Food Bank’s Distribution Center from 6 – 8:30 p.m. and will feature delicious
cuisine and beverages from more than 50 of Northeast Ohio’s best restaurants and beverage
purveyors, exciting entertainment and celebrities, wonderful auction items, and the all important opportunity to help alleviate hunger in our community.

You can check out my past event reviews here, here, here...you get the point. I don't miss it! There was one time that I was out of town for it, but we were still able to support the event through GiveSmart mobile bidding for their silent auction. You don't have to be in attendance to register to bid, and you have the chance of winning great packages like dining experiences, family activities, show tickets, and more.

But, we're also there for the food. You can check out the full list of 2019 participating restaurants here, but I've listed a few of my must-stop stations:

- EDWINS
- Landmark
- Lockkeepers
- Market Garden Brewery
- MELT
- Nomad Culinary
- Strip
- Sushi 86
- University Hospitals/Sodexo
- Zack Bruell Restaurant Group

Tickets are still available, and you can pick up a General Admission ticket for $127 or VIP for $202.

For every $1 donated to the Harvest for Hunger campaign, the Food Bank can provide 4 meals in a local hunger center. More than $334,000 was raised at the 2018 event.

Disclosure: I was invited to attend the event with a guest in exchange for social media support. All opinions stated are 100% my own. I am a former employee of the Greater Cleveland Food Bank.