Grand Cru: Cultivating Community for 25 Years

The Houston Food Bank Chefs’ Dinner was born in 2001 with a vision to unite the city’s culinary talents for a greater cause. This incredible event was created by Jim Mills, then the Executive Chef at Olivette at The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa. His leadership and dedication were pivotal during the formative years, with The Houstonian underwriting most of the event for over 15 years.

From its inception, the event has been a showcase of Houston’s diverse culinary scene, expanding its roster to include an ever-growing list of talented chefs. Over the years, the dinner has featured acclaimed establishments such as Cafe Annie, Brennan’s, Olivette, and Mark’s, as well as new culinary stars. The event has evolved to incorporate a wider range of culinary styles, from French-inspired cuisine to innovative flavors and authentic local dishes.

As the event grew, so did its impact. In 2019, the 18th Annual Dinner raised over $325,000, providing more than 975,000 meals. By 2024, the 24th Annual Dinner raised an impressive $418,000, supporting crucial programs like Kids Cafe, Backpack Buddy, and School Market.

The Chefs’ Dinner has always been more than just a foodie experience. It’s a testament to the power of community, bringing together Houston’s finest culinary talents, dedicated volunteers, and generous donors to nourish and strengthen our community.

Houston Food Bank is proud to announce the return of the Barbara Falik Humanitarian Award at our 25th Annual Chefs’ Dinner. This prestigious award recognizes individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to fighting hunger in our community, embodying the spirit and dedication of Barbara Falik.

Barbara Falik was a tireless advocate for food security in Houston for over 18 years. Her grassroots determination and innovative thinking led to the creation of the Red Barrel Program, which has become a cornerstone of food collection efforts in our community.

Barbara’s vision showed that grocery stores could be crucial in helping thousands of Houstonians who struggle with hunger. Thanks to her efforts, the Red Barrel program grew to include over 250 grocery stores, providing more than 514,000 meals annually to those in need.