Spice Up Your Winter at Jo’s Chili Cook-Off
Enjoy homemade chili while making a difference in the community
Get ready to spice up your winter in Austin. Hotel San José and Jo’s Coffee are partnering to host their 17th annual Jo’s Chili Cook-Off on February 4th from 12-3 p.m., bringing warmth and flavor to the season.
The action-packed event is filled with chili-related activities. Prepare for a culinary showdown where amateur and professional talent compete in a five-alarm battle for the ultimate prized chili pot, a chili-themed raffle, and the annual two stepping contest brought to you by Jo’s House Band.
The proceeds from the day go towards benefitting Free Lunch ATX, a collective of Austin creatives who work to reduce food insecurity in the community and focus on the health of those who are experiencing homelessness.
Bringing community together to fight against food insecurity
A study done by ECHO, Ending Community Homeless Coalition, estimated that nearly 6,700 people experienced homelessness in Austin or Travis County on a single day in October 2023, a number that steadily increased all throughout the previous calendar year.
As numbers rise, Free Lunch ATX works to provide meals for the unhoused population that are not only tasty, but nutrient-dense as well. The organization contributes weekly meals to free fridges across Austin that are open and stocked 24/7, partners with local chefs and farms to create a Free Lunch garden, and works alongside multiple other charities in Austin focused on reducing food insecurity in the community.
Jo’s Chili Cook-Off raised over $15,000 for free lunch in 2023, and aims to surpass that number this year. Entry to the event is free, and tasting wristbands can be purchased on-site for $25 to enjoy a special sample of each chili along with one ticket to vote for your favorite culinary creation.
