Chefs compete for charities

Local food is the focus as Chef Christine Campbell goes to bat against some of the top chefs in the country in the Sears Chef Challenge to raise money for NOURISH Farm to Family Philanthropy of Sheboygan.

Campbell was picked via a nationwide search to participate in the Sears Chef Challenge, a nationwide contest that invites aspiring chefs to enter for a chance to win a new kitchen and up to $20,000 donated to a charity of their choice.

“There is a local food revolution taking place,” Campbell said, “and everyone deserves access to it.”

Campbell chose NOURISH Farm to Family Philanthropy at the urging of one of NOURISH’s partnering farmers, Stephanie Bartel.

“NOURISH goes beyond the norm and uses local food experiences to inspire diverse groups of people to eat well and work together,” Campbell said.

NOURISH founder Carol Christensen couldn’t be more thrilled. “To have NOURISH highlighted in a national competition with such a fantastic chef like Christine is just amazing.”

NOURISH’s mission is to link local farmers with struggling families through experiences that nourish them body and soul. NOURISH’s cornerstone program is the Farm to Table Tour, leading small group tours at sponsoring sustainable farms during the growing season and then taking the group to a shelter where they prepare and share the meal side by side with the homeless. A volunteer chef is on hand to help coach the process.

In addition, NOURISH offers a “Snack Attack” program bringing fresh local vegetable snacks to lowincome kids and a “Harvest Hotline” that rescues fresh vegetables in need.

“The positive response to NOURISH has outpaced our funding,” Christensen said. “To have recognition, and hopefully funds, from a national organization like Sears is beyond our expectation.”

She then added, “Vote early and vote often for NOURISH Chef Christine!”