Iron Chef Detroit pits two top chefs together, raises funds for local nonprofit

In a competition similar to Food Network's "Iron Chef," Cass Community Social Services held its first "Iron Chef Detroit" competition to raise funds for the nonprofit that serves over 700,000 meals to the Detroit community every year.

The competition brought out over 300 people to Eastern Market's Shed 5 in a friendly competition between SheWolf's executive chef Anthony Lombardo and culinary director of Make Food Not Waste Shanel DeWalt.

“It’s all for Cass Community Social Services, one of the best organizations in Detroit feeding thousands of people a day," Lombardo said.

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Cass Community Social Services has been providing essential services to Detroit residents since the Great Depression.

“Food, housing, health care and jobs," executive director Faith Fowler said about what the nonprofit provides to the community. "Tonight is about the food portion of what we do."

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Like many nonprofits, times get tough when funding runs out, but people still need services. Fowler says events like this help keep the organization afloat.

"It’s huge because we don’t have enough coming in in grant money to buy the food, make the food, deliver the food, so this fills in the gaps so we don’t have to shut the doors," she said.

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According to Feeding America, food insecurity has only grown since COVID-19 and 1 in 6 Michigan children face hunger. That's why volunteers and chefs dedicated their time Thursday evening, highlighting Detroit organizations and food culture.

“We have some of the best chefs in the country and we want to showcase that and continue to showcase that. Some of the best restaurants in the country are right here," Lombardo said.

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Lombardo came away the Iron Chef Detroit winner. If you'd like to help Cass Community Social Services year-round, you can visit their website to learn more .