The 11th annual Taste of Lancaster County is scheduled for Sunday, April 22, 2007 at the Lancaster General Health Campus and will feature samples from 30+ culinary establishments in Lancaster County.  Restaurants, caterers, and beverage purveyors gather at the Lancaster General Health Campus to showcase their finest menu items for more than 1,100 attendees, all to benefit the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.  This family-friendly afternoon also offers musical entertainment, children’s activities, and an extensive silent auction and raffle.  Last year’s event featured 33 restaurants, and a menu ranging from The Brasserie’s tomato bisque to Alessio’s meatballs, and from Blue Pacific’s sushi to Eat ‘n Park’s strawberry pie.    

Countless options exist for attendees to sample appetizers, beverages, entrées, and desserts during this event, which typically raises approximately $50,000, the majority of which is directed toward distributing food to a network of member agencies.  For every dollar donated, the Food Bank can distribute $15 worth of groceries, bringing the impact of last year’s event to more than one half million dollars worth of groceries distributed to hungry families in central Pennsylvania.     

Title sponsor Harmon & Davies, P.C. returns for the 11th annual Taste of Lancaster County, as does Presenting Sponsor The Kellogg Company; Reception Sponsor, Weave Corporation; and long-time Media Sponsor WGAL 8.  Rodgers & Associates, P.C. will serve as Video Presentation Sponsor and Lawn Equipment Parts Company makes the Entertainment possible through their sponsorship.  Dozens of additional sponsors provide financial support, along with in-kind donations of time and services, and items for the silent auction and raffle.  The Lancaster General Health Campus, located at 2100 Harrisburg Pike, donates space and staff for the event.  The restaurants and entertainers donate their time, services, and culinary expertise, as well.   

The event opens with a Reception at 11:00 a.m. followed by a Private Taste from noon to 1:00 p.m.  The Main Event is from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m.  A deluxe ticket, which includes the Reception, Private Taste and Main Event, is $60 in advance; $65 at the door.  Private Taste tickets, which include the Private Taste and Main Event, are $40 in advance; $45 at the door.  Adult tickets for the Main Event are $20 in advance; $25 at the door.  Tickets for children ages six to 12 years are $10 in advance; $12 at the door and good all day.  Children under age six are free.  Main event tickets (adult or child) are available through customer service desks at any Giant Food Store in Lancaster County beginning March 28.  Tickets are also available by calling the Food Bank at (717) 391-5831. 

Attendees, culinary establishments, and sponsors have raised tens of thousands of dollars over the years through the Taste of Lancaster County, all of which helps to fight hunger, particularly in Lancaster County.  Currently, 47 member agencies provide food and other hunger-relief services for residents of Lancaster County.  In 2006 alone, approximately 480,000 pounds of food were distributed to Lancaster County-based agencies.  More than 42,000 pounds distributed represented fresh produce, delivered to six sites in the county, through the Food Bank’s Fresh Express program.  The Food Bank is in partnership with the Lancaster County Boys and Girls Club to operate four Kids Cafe programs, which are after-school feeding programs for children at-risk of hunger.  Since the 2006/07 school year began, the Food Bank has provided enough food to the Kids Cafe programs in Lancaster to serve more than 12,000 hot snacks or meals. ###