Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry returned to Houston for an afternoon of delicious taste sips and fun at The Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park with some of Houston's top chefs and mixologists to bring awareness and raise funds to end childhood hunger in Texas and across the nation.

One in eight kids in the U.S. lives with hunger, and one in five kids faces hunger in Texas. No Kid Hungry is on a mission to end child hunger by connecting kids to food that will allow them to not worry about where their next meal will come from. This supports not only  the physical health of the child but his mental health as well. If a child is not worried and hungry, it promotes their ability to focus on what is most important: being happy, healthy, and strong.

Chef Reginald Scott of The Smoke and Houston Style's 2022 Favorite Chef was a featured chef and partner for the event. "I am who I am because of the free meals I cherished at school. I'm honored to be partners with No Kid Hungry to share that same enjoyment with the next generation!" said Chef Scott.

Chef Scott showcased his culinary finesse at the event, presenting his signature dish, the Smoke Dust and Jerk Dust Wings, now available at his restaurant. These wings are a harmonious blend of the delectable smoky flavors of his pit and the herbaceous aroma of jerk dust or smoke dust dry rub. As always, Chef Scott did not disappoint with his show-stopping creation.

Other renowned chefs, like Top Chef Season 19 participant Chef Evelyn Garcia of Jun and Chris Cosentino of Rosalie Italian Soul were in attendance to support this cause.

"We are in the hospitality industry. We feed people for a living. These kids go to school, they can't focus, they can't learn." said Chef Cosentino. "Healthy food is a right, not a privilege."

Mixologist, owner of Julep, and 2022 James Beard Award winner for Outstanding Bar Program Alba Huerta also participated this year.

"Childhood hunger is a problem that affects all of us. No Kid Hungry has the solution and has made a positive impact on the lives of millions of kids. I'm proud to be a part of Taste of the Nation to help No Kid Hungry end childhood hunger." said Huerta

No Kid Hungry is a traveling culinary event series with other participating cities like Washington, DC, in May and Chicago in June. One hundred percent of the proceeds from these events go towards their effort to support kids who are without food. To learn more about Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry, visit nokidhungry.org.