On May 1, competitors at the annual Mac ‘N Cheese Bowl will transform this popular side dish into a creative canvas, tickling Ithacans’ tastebuds at this fundraiser for Foodnet Meals on Wheels. The eleventh offering of this event will be at the Ithaca Farmer’s Market Pavilion from 4:30 until 5PM next Wednesday.

Each year, restaurateurs, caterers, and food service companies all vie to win one of the coveted awards. Attendees will decide who receives Best Meat, Best Non-Meat, Most Creative, Best Alternative, and Kids’ Choice. Best Alternative makes its debut this year, focusing on macaroni and cheese combos that are vegan, dairy-free, or gluten-free. “I love it whenever I see ‘Award-Winning’ next to the macaroni and cheese on a menu at a former winner’s restaurant because I know we gave them that award,” says Aly Evans, Executive Director of FoodNet Meals on Wheels. FoodNet won the Kids Choice a few years ago, and the organization is still very proud of this achievement.

Unlike other competitions, there’s no panel of esteemed judges. Each person attending receives a ballot to select their favorites, and their votes decide the winners of this competition.

The voters can get serious about their job. While cups are provided by the organizers for tasting, some people bring muffin tins so they can taste the offerings side by side. They also proselytize for their favorites, recommending them to others while standing in line. Once voting is complete, the organizers give participants a special “I Voted in the Mac ‘N Cheese Bowl” sticker.

Some competitors prepare months in advance, testing recipes on their staff and designing their entire booths to emphasize the theme of their entry. Competitors also sometimes bring their own serving bowls and utensils so they can control the look of their offering.

Twenty competitors will be in the hunt for the awards this year, from food trucks like Silo to restaurants such as Revelry Yards. Even institutional catering services including Cornell Catering get in on the action.

This event hopes to raise $40,000 for FoodNet Meals on Wheels, and all of the monies raised goes into operating this organization. “Costs just keep going up. Gas, food, staff—everything is more expensive and we have a duty to our senior population to help them age in place with dignity and grace,” said Evans.

“My mother used Meals on Wheels in another state,” says Evans. “And that’s one of the reasons the organization means so much to me.” Foodnet Meals on Wheels provides meals for seniors and people with disabilities. Their organization served 638 people in 2023 and average 300 meals each day. This service isn’t just about food. It allows our aging population to maintain independence. The folks who deliver these meals regularly check-in on their clients, which contributes to their safety and wellbeing.

Fifteen additional organizations serving Ithaca’s senior and disabled populations such as the Tompkins County Council on Aging will have information booths during the event to answer questions. Another goal of the event is to bring awareness of all of the ways our aging population is supported and what it means to be an aging adult. “After all, everyone will be an older adult someday,” says Evans.

Entertainment will include Crossroads the Clown, the Big Cheese selfie booth, and a Kids’ Craft Corner. Patrons can also enter the raffle for prizes including art, kitchen supplies and spa treatments.

The Ithaca Farmer’s Market Pavilion provides ample room for the 1200 expected attendees. As the Ithaca Farmers Market also focuses on food security so the partnership makes sense. “Food is key to everything,” says Evans.

Besides the parking lot at the Farmer’s Market, parking is also available at the Guthrie Ithaca City Harbor on Willow and the DMV parking lot on Third Street. Shuttles from the DMV lot are provided by Gadabout and Longview.

“It warms your heart and warms your stomach,” says Evans. “It’s so much fun!”

The Mac ‘N Cheese Bowl takes place on May 1 at 4:30-7PM at the Farmer’s Market Pavilion located at 545 Third.