For those eager to share their best chili recipe with others and for those eager to taste chili varieties, Eureka United Methodist Men will host their 6th annual Eureka Food Pantry Chili Cook-Off next Sunday, Jan. 29.

The cook-off will be held at the Eureka United Methodist Church at 215 North Central Ave. in Eureka within the Fellowship Hall located on the south side of the church. 

Wes Sir, Eureka United Methodist Men member, said there is a $10 fee for competitors to enter the event. Chili makers should plan to arrive at 4 p.m. Organizers will provide cups, bowls and spoons. Contestants supply all other items.

Sir said they have limited space, so participants are taken on a first-come-first-served basis. "Last year, we had over 25 contestants, so don’t wait until the last minute to sign up."

A “free will” offering (donation) to sample all the different contestants' chili is encouraged, plus canned goods—all to benefit the Eureka Food Pantry, which also is located on a lower level of the church. The pantry services a variety of West St. Louis County area individuals and families throughout the year.

See previously published articles:

Eureka Food Pantry Lends Help

'Funds4Food' Leaders Fund Pantry

Tasting starts at 5 p.m. Judges will award the top three winners, and a people’s choice award also be will be handed out. The people’s choice award will be given based on the number of dollars that contestants collects, said Sir. 

"Our goal this year is to raise $2,000, and to collect 300 cans of food," said Sir. "One-hundred percent of the proceeds from this event go to the Eureka Food Pantry."