We are living in a time of great contradictions. While some families are unable to put food on the table, our country is struggling with an obesity epidemic. Alabama ranks as the second most obese state, with over 30% of our state’s adults considered obese.

A Healthier Huntsville

So what are doing to combat this epidemic? One organization, Healthy Huntsville is making our community healthier one event at a time. Events like:

Alabama’s largest yoga class
TED video screenings
cook-offs that promote healthful food

Their latest event is the Healthy Chili Cookoff this Sunday July 15th at the Huntsville Stars Game. And I’ll be there LIVE tweeting for any of you who can’t make it! Make sure you’re following Our Valley Events on Twitter and Facebook to get all the behind the scenes Chili Cook Off action!

A Challenge

This is no ordinary cook-off. It is both a challenge to our community and a way to give back. Remember earlier when I mentioned some families couldn’t afford to put food on the table? Here’s your chance to make a difference. Healthy Huntsville has paired with Groupon Grassroots to provide food and supplies for low-income families to compete in the no-entry-fee Healthy Chili Cookoff.

This is an all or none deal: the Healthy Huntsville Grassroots initiative must raise at least $500 by this Sunday or these families don’t compete. And we want them to be able to compete, right? So click here to donate.

“We’re excited to leverage the collective action model of Groupon Grassroots to raise support for getting Huntsville healthier and happier,” said Amy Robinson of Sterling Health. “We look forward to creating new awareness for living well with Healthy Huntsville as one of the local organizations in Huntsville to be featured on Groupon Grassroots.”

Start Your Pots

If the words “chili cookoff” had you running for the kitchen, then here’s the 411 on the contest part.

Wanna cook?

There’s 3 categories:

Beast (meat eaters, this is for you)
Vegetarian
Kids

The chili will be judged by a panel of local celebrities. Click here to see the complete list of judges.

Cost to enter: NONE! And contestants receive free entry to the game

Register: Anyone wanting to compete should register here

Location: Joe Davis Stadium

Arrival: Gates open to the public at 3:30 and close at 5:00 pm. Contestants may arrive as early as 2pm.

Food prep: Contestants are recommend to cook their chili at home and bringing it in a croc pot or chafing dish.

Details: More information at 256-518-9530 or email here

The Prize:

Winners will be recognized on the field
Receive a prize package
Be featured on HealthyHuntsville2012.com AND again at the Healthy Huntsville Finale Party on April 25

Event Information

Date: Sunday, July 15th
Time: Contestant arrival begins at 2pm; judging will take place from 3-3:30pm
Location: Joe Davis Stadium
Register: Contestants should register in advance by clicking here