On Monday, June 9, nine local chefs put their hearts on the plate as they faced off at Food4Kids Halton’s Battle of the Chefs competition. The real fight, though, was against child hunger.
Returning for its sixth year, the annual fundraiser brought 400 community members, advocates and foodies together to raise $62,256.50 for Food4Kids Halton’s mission to make sure kids who rely on school nutrition programs don’t go hungry on weekends.
Completely funded by donations and one-time grants, the program fills a critical gap by providing food packages to children with little to no access to food during the weekend or summer.
“What started with one hungry child waiting for breakfast on a Monday morning has now become a program providing food to over 1,200 children across Halton each weekend,” shares Jennifer Sully-Ferraro, Executive Director, Food4Kids Halton. “Battle of the Chefs directly supports our Weekends Without Hunger program. Every dollar raised helps feed children in our community. The event not only raises critical funds—it also raises awareness about the growing issue of child hunger in Halton.”
Hosted by media personality Lisa Chang, the annual competition saw attendees tasting gourmet bites from Halton restaurants that “believe in the power of food to bring people together and to nourish our children,” all of which donated the food served at the event.
Chang’s directive for attendees was to “eat to your heart’s content,” and the chefs certainly delivered some satisfying bites. Guests savoured signature dishes from Industria Pizzeria + Bar, Jeera, Loondocks Casual Fine Dining, Millcroft Catering, Prime Steak + Raw Bar, Radius, Slye Fox and Risposta Bistro.
Ultimately, Chef Matt Kershaw of Burlington-based Mexican restaurant The Mule (formerly Burro) took home the title with his Crispy Goat Knuckle al Pastor, topped with lime crema and pineapple salsa.
While guests filled their stomachs, notable volunteers and advocates took the stage to fill their hearts, regaling them with stories of Food4Kids Halton’s impact. Through the program, each child receives a food package with 12–15 nutritious items, including 5–6 pieces of fresh produce, along with proteins, grains, milk, and snacks, all tailored to meet cultural and dietary needs. During the summer months, when schools are closed, Food4Kids Halton continues to support families with grocery gift cards.
“The cost to feed one child is about $15 per weekend,” explains Sully-Ferraro. “In just one school year, the number of kids in our program grew by 20%. In September 2024, we were providing food to 1,063 children and as of the end of May 2025, that number reached 1,276. The need is rising—and we’re working hard to keep up.”
Notable speakers included retired Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB) Principal Liz MacIntyre and Halton District School Board (HDSB) educator Teresa Baxter, who delivered a stirring land acknowledgment. Ontario’s Poet Laureate, Matthew Ray Jones, aka Testament, also shared his experience as a volunteer and read a poem he crafted for the occasion.
If you missed the battle, stay tuned to Food4Kids Halton on Instagram and Facebook for more upcoming events. To learn how to get involved or become a sponsor, visit https://food4kidshalton.ca
