Chili Cook-Off To Benefit Manhattan Farm That Feeds Veterans

MANHATTAN, IL — A chili cook-off planned by two local veteran-centric groups is set to raise money for a local farm dedicated to providing meals for veterans in need.

Set for 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17, at Gallagher's Pub, the event is organized by the Manhattan Sons of the Legion and The Manhattan Legion Riders, with proceeds benefitting Farm2Veteran. The 60-acre Manhattan farm nurtures livestock, a greenhouse and a garden in a mission to produce quality food for veterans experiencing food insecurity.

The organization seemed a natural fit as a beneficiary for the two veterans' groups' first joint fundraising effort.

"We're really going all out, and we've got our fingers crossed," said Bob Metzger, of American Legion Post 935.

Both groups are branches of the American Legion and are newer to the veterans' support community, with the American Legion Riders formed just more than a year ago, and the Sons of the American Legion not yet quite a year old. The Legion Riders brings together veterans who also pilot motorcycles. Sons of the American Legion offers a place for anyone who did not serve, but whose family members did, to enjoy the patriotism and camaraderie fostered within the veteran community.

Also in its early years, Farm2Veteran continues to work to expand its presence and ability to address food insecurity among veterans. In addition to cultivating its homegrown produce, the farm also focuses on ethical, sustainable practices in caring for its livestock.

"We’re very honored they chose us to be the beneficiary of this event," said Michelle Keller, director of community development and administration with Farm2Veteran.

"Farm2Veteran started as Fulcrum Farm with just 28 chickens," the farm's website reads. "Today our farm is home to a greenhouse, a garden and more than 250 animals and has become one of the most efficient, sustainable and ethically-managed farms in the country producing better-than-organic meat and produce. And Farm2Veteran is one-of-a-kind in that 100 percent of what we produce is donated to help feed veterans in need."

Farm2Veteran partners with farms in several states, recently notching 300,000 meals provided across eight states, Keller said. Veterans are nearly twice as likely to lack access to nutritious food than the general population, the website reads. The farm's leaders aim to extend their reach further, setting a fundraising goal of $250,000.

The cook-off is still open to entries; pre-registration is encouraged, but walk-ins are also welcome. A sign-up sheet is located at Gallagher's Pub. It's free to enter a chili. Admission to the event is $10. Attendees will sample all the chili, then cast their votes for their favorites. Free hot dogs will also be provided.

Chili chefs will compete for first- through third-prize, with one winning the chili "cup" they'll have to defend in future years, Metzger said. The event will also feature raffles, with prizes including a hand-crafted wooden flag, handmade artisan cutting board, a poker set and more. A 50/50 raffle will also be held. All proceeds will go to Farm2Veteran.

Keller is grateful for the groups' consideration and appreciation of the Farm2Veteran's vision. Providing for veterans locally and nationwide is a lofty goal, but one they're dedicated to achieving.

"This year we’re on pace to do 170,000 meals just in this year alone," she said.

The cook-off is set for Sunday, Nov. 17 from 1 to 5 p.m., at Gallagher's Pub, 160 E. North St., Manhattan.