HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The Rocket Chef fundraiser is going virtual this year.
The Food Bank of North Alabama and Merrimack Hall partner every year to hold a competition with local chefs as a fundraiser.
The event has helped Merrimack Hall grow programs for Huntsville's special needs community and has helped the food bank start new programs, like their mobile pantries.
The Food Bank of North Alabama needs support now more than ever, as more people seek food assistance due to the pandemic.
Since March 5th, the food bank has distributed 4.2 million meals.
In 2019, they distributed 3.8 million meals, which was a record year for them. In 2018, they distributed 2.5 million meals.
Food Bank of North Alabama Executive Director Shirley Schofield said, "Because of COVID-19 , we are really seeing a huge increase in the amount of need in our community. People who have never had to seek food assistance before are coming forward and needing a little bit of help, so we're trying to make sure we can meet that need."
You can participate in the fundraiser two ways. Donate online by clicking here. You can also text "rocketchef" to 256-559-3299.
WATCH: Drive-thru food bank helps Huntsville residents in need