This October, the Long Beach Island Chowder Cook-Off has a new name, look, and leadership, along with a charitable focus on addressing hunger and food insecurity. The event will take place on October 5 and 6 at the Taylor Avenue waterfront in Beach Haven. Hosted by the Beach Haven Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Hunger Foundation of Southern Ocean, the weekend includes a free Merchants' Mart on Saturday and a ticketed chowder cook-off on Sunday, with ten restaurants participating. Ticket sales will benefit 10 local food banks.

The Chowder Cook-Off, a popular fall event for seafood lovers, has been revamped with new organizers after being run for 34 years by the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce. The updated format returns to its roots with a two-day event, celebrating local restaurants and the best clam chowders. Organizers hope the festival will boost the local economy and support charitable causes like the Hunger Foundation and other community initiatives.

Last year, the Hunger Foundation’s efforts enabled the event to raise $100,000 for local food banks. Organizers are working within a short preparation window but are determined to keep the tradition alive, with more information on tickets and entertainment to come.