(ABC 6 News) – The windy March Sunday evening saw people filing into Hosanna Lutheran Church in Rochester, where cups of chili came with the reward of fighting hunger.

Paul Solum was one of the competitors in the chili cook off, inspired by the competition’s goal.

“It’s beyond important to make sure no one is going hungry,” Solum said. “It’s more than just a shame.”

Event organizer Barbara Schepp said the church hosts the competition to help supply its three food pantries.

One sits in the church’s parking lot and anyone can stroll by and take what they need. Another was part of an Eagle Scout project in 2000 by Matt Wojahn. The final pantry is an agency of Rochester’s Channel One food shelf called Hosanna’s Pantry and is open on the fourth Saturday of the month from 9-11 a.m.

Since 2019, food shelf visits in Minnesota increased from about 3.5 million to 9 million, according to Hunger Solutions.

“With the rising cost of food and food insecurity being on the rise, the needs of our Rochester community is rising also,” Schepp said.

The money raised from the competition will help the church in its effort to fight food insecurity by purchasing food to supply its pantries.

Meanwhile chili tasters left the event with a full belly, knowing their donations are also keeping food on the table for others.

Hosanna Lutheran church member Sam Razidlo was one of the judges of the competition and said he loved seeing everyone come together for the cause.

“Oh it’s so amazing that everyone’s coming out to, not just eat Chile but to just have a good time and help raise money for the different food ministries.”

Church volunteers estimated they raised around $6,000 but won’t have the final total until next week.