The heat is on as OzHarvest looks for leaders with heart, soul and purposes to join its flagship fundraiser CEO CookOff® in Adelaide this October for the very first time. 

This year’s event being held on Tuesday October 28 is one of nine national events which will ignite kitchens across seven states, uniting top industry leaders and renowned chefs to cook, connect and create change, raising crucial funds to address Australia’s hunger crisis. The tables are turned as leaders create gourmet meals, then serve and dine alongside special guests from OzHarvest’s supported charities.

The culinary all-star lineup being held at OzHarvest’s Hindmarsh warehouse includes local icons from Parwana Afghan Kitchen, and Sharon Winsor from Indigiearth. 

OzHarvest State Manager Damian Scanlon is excited to announce the city of churches involvement in this year’s CEO CookOff®, which has evolved since its 2012 debut and has helped deliver more than 16 million meals to people in need. “With Australia facing a growing food crisis—over 3.4 million households are struggling to put food on the table— supporting our cause is more important than ever. CEO CookOff® is a unique experience where leaders step out of their comfort zones to cook alongside world-class chefs, and break bread with special guests from the charities OzHarvest serves.  The magic of this event is when you sit down, share a meal and have a conversation with someone, knowing you’re helping put food on their table—it has a profound impact.”

In its first year of operation, Adelaide’s first free supermarket provided over 340,000 meals in the serving a mix of regulars and first-time visitors each week. Launched in August 2024 in response to the cost-of-living crisis, the market offers fresh produce, pantry staples, and cooked meals to anyone doing it tough.

The CEO CookOff® offers an exciting opportunity to connect with influential leaders—from CEOs and small business owners to philanthropists and changemakers. Among the first local leaders to sign up are Adelaide Oval CEO is Nick Addison, Olympic Swimmer Matt Temple, SA Head, French Australia Chamber of Commerce Florence Masters, GM Suez Wafaa Khalifi, and Beach Energy CEO Brett Woods.

“I’m taking part in OzHarvest’s CEO CookOff this October to cook meals and raise crucial funds to feed people in need in my local community. With the cost of living increasing, the demand for food relief in Australia is at an all-time high as people struggle to make ends meet.” said Nick Addison. 

CEO CookOff® events will be held in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Launceston, and Perth throughout October with a goal to provide two million meals to feed people in need. Every dollar raised enables OzHarvest to deliver two meals, creating direct, measurable impact for participating companies. 

Other chefs participating across the country include Neil Perry AM, Colin Fassnidge, Darren Robertson, Matt Moran, Miguel Maestre, Peter Gilmore, Justine Schofield and Mindy Woods.

Spots are limited and expected to fill quickly. Leaders can sign up now ceocookoff.com.au