Chef Fest Cooks Up Donations for East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry

Chef Fest cooked up more than great food for the Fort Bend community. Some of the proceeds from the Harvest Green event — as well as a substantial amount of produce — went to support the work of the East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry. 

The farm-centric community’s February festival challenged local chefs to prepare small plates utilizing a variety of farm-fresh vegetables from the Village Farm. Tickets, which could be exchanged for the various dishes, were sold at the event and a portion of the proceeds — $350 — went to the ministry. The community also donated nearly $800 worth of produce to the organization’s food pantry.

The non-profit, which assists Fort Bend residents in temporary financial crisis, had three booths at Chef Fest, including one that allowed children to donate food and create lunch bags for children who don’t have the resources to afford a lunch. Ministry volunteers brought 70 bags that were stuffed within the first 45 minutes.

Chef Fest attracted an estimated 1,500 food lovers to Harvest Green. Chef-prepared dishes included vegetarian gumbo, kale salad, pulled pork sandwiches with farm fresh sides, and beef and sweet potatoes.

An accompanying farmers market featuring Village Farm produce was available for home chefs inspired to recreate the dishes. Shoppers were pleased to learn that the market takes place weekly on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon.

A highlight of the event was a Kids Can Cook tent that allowed budding chefs to whip up carrot-top pesto for appreciative parents. 

Other activities included live jazz music by The Beyonders, wine and beer samples from Messina Hof and Spindletap Brewery, yard games and farm tours.

Chef Fest is just one of a series of public events Harvest Green plans for the Fort Bend community. Upcoming festivities include an Earth Day Extravaganza in April, the “La Tomatina Padre” Tomato Festival in June and a Harvest Fest in November. A number of exciting resident-only events are held throughout the year, planned by the community’s full-time lifestyle director.

Couldn't make Chef Fest? Click here to take a look at what you missed — make sure to wait for the end to see young guests literally "digging" Harvest Green's Village Farm!