Simmering spices filled the air as crowds gathered at Brix Taphouse in Jacksonville Beach, connected by the promise of good chili and a shared passion for feeding local kids. For the 15th Annual Chili Cook-Off, friendly competition turned into something much bigger than a culinary showdown.

This year’s event brought together fourteen community chili teams, sponsor booths, a live auction, a raffle, and a high-energy musical performance from Project X. With nearly $30,000 raised, the cook-off will provide more than 6,500 hunger-free weekends for local students served through the North Florida Chapter of Blessings in a Backpack. Donations will directly support and benefit Mayport Middle School, Seabreeze Elementary School, Atlantic Beach Elementary School, and Neptune Beach Elementary School. For $175 to feed one child for an entire school year, every bowl of chili, auction bid, and raffle ticket made an immediate and meaningful difference.

The Friends of Chili Committee, which organized this year’s Cook-off, began fifteen years ago at Jerry’s Grille when founders Doug, Bill, and Mike turned friendly chili recipe debates into a cause for good. What started as a fundraiser for an injured staff member has grown into an annual community tradition. Since then, the Committee has selected a local charity each year, grown community support through sponsors and volunteers, and hosted events at Jerry’s Grille, Sneakers, and now, Brix Taphouse.

A collective effort from every corner of the community powered the event. Judges Heather Crawford from First Coast News, ET from 1010XL, and Jax Beach City Council member, Fernando Meza, helped crown the winners, and sponsors contributed monetary and in-kind support to elevate the day. Volunteers, attendees, and the chili teams filled the venue with enthusiasm and kindness, reminding everyone that great things happen when a community comes together.

Even after the awards were announced, the energy remained hopeful and grateful, looking toward the future. The Chili Cook-Off continues to serve not only great food but a powerful purpose. With the community’s involvement, Blessings in a Backpack is helping ensure that local kids can count on hunger-free weekends. Together, each year’s gathering brings North Florida one step closer to a future where every child can thrive.