The Shalom Food Pantry’s eighth annual fund-raiser “Battle of the BBQs” competition has been set for Sunday. June 22. The family-friendly event will be from 4 to 6 p.m. and be held at the Albany Jewish Community Center, 340 Whitehall Rd., Albany.

Teams representing seven local Jewish organizations will compete in various categories including a “People’s Choice.” Attendees will have an opportunity to sample each teams’ chicken, steak, and ground beef kabobs as well as “all you can eat” sides, which will include vegetarian options. Non-competitors will vote for the People’s Choice Award.

There will be live music, a dunk tank, a petting zoo, carnival games, and face painting.

“The goal for this event is to bring awareness and to raise funds for the Shalom Food Pantry,” said Chanie Simon co-director of the Shalom Food Pantry.

According to Simon, The Shalom Food Pantry provides healthy food packages to individuals and families in the Capital Region who are struggling financially. Currently, the food pantry provides over 2,400 meals worth of groceries each month. Proceeds from the competition will help those in need.

The event committee is Jeremy Kassel, Lianne Wladis, Naomi Storch, Sharon Mosden, Victoria Goldberg, and Elana Kamenir.

Reservations to attend if obtained prior to June 15 are $25, $30 after, and $10 per child. Children 5 and under will be admitted at no cost. Reservations and information may be obtained  from Simon at