Loving Spoonful is hosting a fun, festive food fundraiser at Lake Ontario Park late Thursday afternoon.

The third annual Food Fiesta fundraiser, which started as a volunteer appreciation event, aims to showcase the increased variety of international cuisine that Kingston has to offer, along with supporting Loving Spoonsful’s much-needed programs.

"We just thought it would be a really great opportunity to celebrate local food vendors," Kayley Marsh, volunteer and Loving Spoonful outreach co-ordinator, said. "(The food) is going to be incredibly diverse."

From smoked meats to authentic Mexican and Latino dishes, including some vegetarian options, to baked goods, the fundraising festivities will take place at Lake Ontario Park on Thursday.

"We’re always trying to build community as well as promoting healthy food," Mara Shaw, Loving Spoonful executive director said. "We have so much great food in this city."

According to Shaw, there are more than 20,000 people living below the poverty line in the Kingston area.

"That barrier to getting healthy food is real and felt by our neighbours," Shaw said.

Organizers are hoping to bring this awareness to light through celebration and good food.

The four food trucks involved are Mission Street North, Two Nuts in a Truck, Smokin’ Carnivore and The Big Smoke Food Truck.

Local restaurants and vendors include: Mexico Lindo, PodoNamu, La Hacienda, Tandoori Sizzle, The Tamale Girl, cooks from Kingston’s Latino Association, Aunty Ann Caribbean/African Grocery and Beauty Supply and more.

The food trucks may have access to debit, but not all the vendors will so Shaw hopes people remember to bring some cash, just in case.

There will also be a Bakery Bar, which will offer a variety of items from cookies to tarts and croissants from local bakers including: Pan Chancho, Wolfe Island Bakery, Sydenham Sweet Bakery and more.

"The (local) bakeries have generously donated some baked goods for us to sell," Marsh said.

Along with the locally made international cuisine, organizer have invited Kingston’s own The Baseboards and The Fonzies to entertain the crowds with live music.

While admission is free, donations to Kingston’s own healthy food charity, Loving Spoonful are encouraged.

Last year’s event raised $4,500 toward the variety of Loving Spoonful programs.

"The Kingston community is incredibly generous to us," Marsh said. "They are really supportive of our work."

The fun gets started at 5 p.m. and runs until 8 p.m. and the cost of food ranges from a few dollars for baked goods to more than $10 for a full entree.

julia.mckay@sunmedia.ca

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