Our Savior's Lutheran Church Hosts 14th Annual Chili Cook-Off

Annual event raises funds for CHUM's food shelf in Duluth

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Duluth, Minnesota held its 14th annual Chili Cook-Off on Thursday, with the goal of raising money for CHUM's food shelf. The event featured 15 different chili recipes, a homemade dessert bar, and beverages, all available for a $6 donation per person or $3 for those 9 and under.

Why it matters

The Chili Cook-Off is an important community event that brings people from Duluth and surrounding areas together to support a local food charity. As demand for food assistance has increased, events like this help raise critical funds and awareness for organizations like CHUM that provide essential services.

The details

The Chili Cook-Off featured a wide variety of chili recipes, from venison to sweet potato and chickpea. Attendees could sample the different chilis, enjoy homemade desserts, and have beverages, all while supporting CHUM's food shelf. The event is organized by the church and has grown in popularity over the years, with the goal of raising $1,000 this year.

  • The 14th annual Chili Cook-Off was held on Thursday, February 27, 2026.
  • Last year, the event raised $1,200 for CHUM's food shelf.

The players

Our Savior's Lutheran Church

A church in Duluth, Minnesota that has hosted the annual Chili Cook-Off for the past 14 years to raise funds for CHUM's food shelf.

CHUM

A nonprofit organization in Duluth that operates a food shelf and provides other services to those in need in the community.

Robert Jenko

The Chairperson of the Chili Cook-Off event at Our Savior's Lutheran Church.

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What they’re saying

“We've seen an increase, you know, over the years. It's just kind of, one of the ways that we do it to support. It's a fun community event. We get people from all over Duluth and other areas to come.”

— Robert Jenko, Chairperson of the Chili Cook-Off (wdio.com)

What’s next

The church plans to continue hosting the annual Chili Cook-Off to raise funds for CHUM's food shelf in the years to come.

The takeaway

The Chili Cook-Off at Our Savior's Lutheran Church is an example of how a community can come together to support local charities and provide essential services. By hosting an annual event that brings people together around good food, the church is able to raise critical funds and awareness for CHUM's important work in the Duluth area.