The Super Bowl XLVI party season kicked off last week when organizers of one of its premier events came to town for some early celebrating.

Organizers of the 21-year-old Taste of the NFL -- an elegant Super Bowl-Eve strolling food and wine soiree scheduled Feb. 4 at Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana -- attended parties at the JW Marriott (Saturday), Lucas Oil Stadium (Friday) and Westminster Community Center (Thursday). 

>> continue reading.

Taste of the NFL recently spent some time in Indianapolis to kick off local efforts to fight hunger in Indiana.

Gleaners Kids Café

Together with Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana and with help from Indianapolis Colts’ chef and player representatives, Taste of the NFL fed 50 children from low-income households a hot meal at Westminster Community Center on Sept. 22.  Chef Greg Hardesty (Recess and Room Four) prepared a tasty, nutritious menu and special guest appearances were made by former Indianapolis Colts’ tight end Ken Dilger along with Colts’ cheerleaders.   Tony Hanslits, Taste of the NFL chef alum and current dean of The Chef’s Academy, oversaw more than 20 Chef’s Academy students in food preparation and serving. A special thanks to the Chef’s Academy for donating the food as well.

Video recap of the event.

Clash of the Tailgaters

The Chef’s Academy, in collaboration with Taste of the NFL and E&J Gallo Winery, hosted its 3^rd annual Clash of the Tailgaters to benefit Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana on Sept. 23 in the parking lot of Lucas Oil Stadium.  The cooking competition pit teams of students and graduates of The Chef’s Academy against one another in serving up their tailgating specialties. Proceeds benefitted Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana.

Watch video footage of the event on Indy Channel 6!

Gleaners Harvest Moon Gala

Several members of the Taste of the NFL family attended Gleaners 11^th Annual Harvest Moon Gala on Sept. 24 at the new JW Marriott in Downtown Indianapolis. In the past 10 years, this event has helped hungry Hoosiers by raising more than $2,280,000, which translates into more than 12 million meals. 

The 13th Annual Taste of the Browns was held Monday, September 12, 2011 at the Cleveland Browns Stadium to benefit the Cleveland Food Bank. 

Please click here to watch a video recap of the successful event!

You can view the photo gallery to see more pictures of fans, chefs and players having a great time.

If you missed the event, you can still support the Browns and the Cleveland Food Bank by donating to the Cleveland Browns Kick Hunger Challenge Team.