Although Monterey County enjoys a global reputation as "The Salad Bowl of the World," it still faces the highest rates of food insecurity among California counties.

That’s why one of Carmel-by-the-Sea’s most popular restaurants has teamed with the Food Bank of Monterey County to help fight an issue that, according to a study conducted by UC San Francisco, costs the region an estimated $65 million each year.

Toward that end, The Pocket will host its third annual Feed the Soul charity event on Friday, Dec. 12, bringing together the community for an evening dedicated to fighting hunger and fostering hope.

Last year’s fundraiser funnelled more than $130,000 to helping provide vital meals and resources for thousands of families across Monterey County. The Pocket’s team hopes to surpass that achievement this year, with 100 percent of event proceeds benefiting the food bank’s mission to ensure no one in the community goes hungry.

“Feed the Soul is a vital fundraiser — but it’s also a celebration of compassion, generosity and community spirit,” said The Pocket executive chef Mike Fischetti, a highly decorated chef whose career path includes showcasing his talents at the iconic James Beard House. “We can’t wait for the community to come together and help us make this year's event the most impactful yet.”

Fischetti has orchestrated this year’s event around chef-curated food stations, along with wine and libations from local vendors, as well as interactive entertainment designed to engage and delight. Guests also can bid on exclusive items through a silent auction.

Supporters are invited to get involved in several ways, including becoming a vendor partner, donating items or experiences to the silent auction, or purchasing tickets to attend. All donors and participants who contribute through products, services or auction items will receive complimentary tickets to the event.

As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Food Bank for Monterey County ensures that all contributions — monetary, in-kind, or volunteer — are tax-deductible (Tax ID #77-0270228).

The Pocket was launched in late 2019 by Kent Ipsen, president of Skipolini's Inc., as a place where guests discover “that perfect combination of people, ambience, food and drink” — finding themselves in The Pocket. The event takes place in The Pocket Residences courtyard. For more on the restaurant, visit its website here.

Event details

What: Feed the Soul: A Community Celebration
When: 5-10:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 12
Where: The Pocket, Lincoln Street, 5 NW of 6th Ave., Carmel-by-the-Sea

The Food Bank for Monterey County is the largest provider of emergency supplemental food in the area, serving one in four residents throughout the county. With a mission to end hunger and transform the health of the community through good nutrition, the Food Bank distributes millions of pounds of fresh and nutritious food annually to children, families, and seniors in need.