A recipe challenge sponsored by Catholic Charities Maine’s Parish Social Ministry program provided an opportunity for Mainers to put their recipes and cooking knowledge to the test while helping local parish food ministries.

The theme for the 2021 St. Hildegard Food Pantry Recipe Challenge was “Food Box +1,” meaning that entrants could only use the basic contents of a food pantry food box for a family of four in their recipes: cereal, crackers, powdered milk, canned soup, dried fruit, nuts, chickpeas, beans, instant potatoes, bread, canned vegetables, canned fruit, pork, chicken, beef, whole milk, butter, yogurt, sour cream, in-season fresh vegetables (corn, tomatoes, broccoli, squash, green peppers), and basic fruits.

The recipes could be for any main or side dish, and participants were allowed to add one additional food to the recipe that is not in the box but is usually available at a local food pantry.

“The winner is from St. Mary Church of Holy Spirit Parish in Wells,” said Bill Wood of Parish Social Ministry, according to a news release from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland. “The name of the entry was ‘Church Chicken’ and was submitted by summer visitor Robert Peppin. A check for $1,000 will go out to that parish to support their community food pantry.”

Second place went to parishioner Beverly Gallant of Holy Savior Parish in Rumford for her “Chili Macaroni” recipe. A check for $500 will go to the new food pantry at the parish.

“In the past four years, the St. Hildegard’s Food Pantry Recipe Challenge has collected close to 175 appetizing, easy-to-make, and nutritious recipes that come from foods found right at your local community food pantry,” said Wood.

The winning recipes can be found at facebook.com/CatholicCharitiesME. An electronic version of all of the recipes submitted will be made available for all parish food pantries and soup kitchens to use for those they serve. Those who would like a copy of the recipes can email psm@ccmaine.org.

For more information about Parish Social Ministry or the contest, call 207-523-1161 or visit ccmaine.org.

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