JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – It wasn't in a school cafeteria, and no one got in trouble, but there was a giant food fight in Jacksonville Thursday night.
Dozens of local restaurants, beverage distributors and caterers came together Thursday to combat hunger at the 24th annual Jacksonville FoodFight.
Hundreds came out for the event held at the Touchdown Club at Everbank Field to benefit the Nourishment Network.
"Each ticket that was purchased will provide about 420 meals for the hungry and food insecure in our neighborhoods," said Nourishment Network's Executive Director Frank Ormonde.
Ormonde told Channel 4 Thursday that every dollar donated during the FoodFight provides seven meals for those in need throughout the Jacksonville area.
The FoodFight is an important benefit for Nourishment Network because it helps the group generate meals for Jacksonville during the summer months.
"In the winter time, the holidays, a lot of people are in a giving mood, a lot people want to donate and we get a lot of donations at that time. In the summertime it's not the same. It's not that people don't want to donate, it's just not at the top of their list in the things that they're thinking about. So events like this, people can come out they can have a great time and at the same time we are providing food for those that are less fortunate, who aren't able to provide food for themselves," said Ormonde.
Organizers expected to raise about $90,000 Thursday night, which would translate into approximately 630,000 meals for the hungry.
Since 1989, the Jacksonville FoodFight has raised more than $1 million in the fight against hunger. In addition to food and drinks, the event also included live entertainment.
Click here if you would like to donate to or volunteer with the Nourishment Network.