The 16th Annual Dishin' for Hunger
Date and time
Sunday, October 25, 2026
4:30 PM
NEW! Location
The Kitchen – 231 E. Livingston Ave. Columbus, OH 43215
About this event
Join us for the 16th Annual Dishin’ for Hunger, an elevated culinary experience at our exciting new venue, The Kitchen. Enjoy an interactive evening featuring live chef demonstrations, signature tastings, an open bar, and a silent auction, all in support of NSI Food Pantry. Together, we can turn an unforgettable night into meals for local families.
2026 Chef Lineup
Justin Singer
An Ohio transplant via Virginia and DC, Justin is the current lead sous at the up-and-coming Cincinnati restaurant, Wildweed. Cooking since his teenage years, he’s a school-of-hard knocks culinary graduate and has held previous chef positions with the José Andres Group and most recently, Chapman’s Eat Market in German Village. He enjoys foraging, Taco Bell, and cooking for his friends, family, and significant other Stephanie.
Liesl Ashbaugh
Chef Liesl Ashbaugh was born and raised in the Midwest. She joined the service industry in high school working in local mom and pop spots but left the industry to pursue painting at Kent State University. Leaving school earlier than planned due to the pandemic, she later joined Chapman’s Eat Market in 2023 for her first professional job as a cook. Since then she has worked her way through the kitchen learning and filling as many roles as she could. With the closing of Chapman’s she will be joining Gene’s in Dublin as their new Sous Chef. Her love of cooking comes from her love of learning and problem solving. There isn’t a thing she wouldn’t like to learn about food.
Danielle Bereznay
Danielle is a native of Columbus and graduated from The Ohio State University with her Bachelor of Arts degree in English. She and her future husband Jeff enrolled in culinary school together not long afterward. They have both been chefs ever since, living and cooking in New York, Florida, Texas and Germany in addition to Ohio. Danielle has worked in the culinary industry for many years. A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, she has held a variety of positions, not only as a chef and caterer but also as a cheese monger, barista, and culinary specialist for a food importer. She has cooked for Disneyworld, The United States Army, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Whole Foods, Meals on Wheels and THE Ohio State University. When she isn’t cooking Danielle is reading cookbooks and combining her love of food and language. She and Jeff enjoy cooking together at home and try not to critique each other too much!
Stephen Hicks
Native to the area, I have spent the better part of 21 years in the culinary industry, most of my time spent in Catering and hotels. I’ve also managed a food truck and a assisted living facility. On my days off you will usually find me riding my bike, Camping, or spending time with my Family.
Ben Flores
Chef Ben Flores is an Alabama native who has lived in Columbus since 2021. After graduating from the University of Alabama in 2015, he pursued a career in restaurant and hospitality management before settling in Columbus. He joined Chapman’s Eat Market in 2021 and was the sous chef to a James Beard nominated team. After his Time at Chapmans Eat Market, he accepted the role of Culinary Instructor at The Ohio State University, where he teaches Food Production Management for the Restaurant and Hospitality Department. He has an Italian-American, Mexican-American, and Gulf Coast Southern style culinary background. His personal goals in the industry focus on the training and development of young service industry professionals.
Dustin Boninsegna
Boninsegna was an Earth and Life Science teacher for the city of Dayton before he moved to Columbus in 2017. He began working at The Kitchen, a dining space and event venue, under the mentorship of its owners Jen Lindsey and his sister Anne Boninsegna. Boninsegna became the Executive Chef of The Kitchen in 2020. He’s well-versed in a range of culinary mediums, but ice cream in particular sticks out to him.
Sean Miller
A long standing bartender in Columbus. Working in craft cocktails from classic staples like Curio, to modern cocktail lounges like The Lion. Has also been a part of some of Columbus’ favorite restaurants like Commune and Chapman’s.
Thanks to Our Sponsors!
Presenting Sponsor
Master Chef Sponsor
House Chef Sponsor
Chef Station Sponsor
Our Partners
Guests will enjoy an interactive culinary experience featuring chef-hosted tasting stations, craft cocktails and mocktails, a silent auction, and opportunities to connect with local chefs while supporting NSI Food Pantry’s mission.
Dishin’ for Hunger begins at 4:30 PM and concludes around 7:00 PM.
Parking is available across the street from The Kitchen at the Livingston United Methodist Church parking lot located at 200 E. Livingston Avenue.
Business casual attire is recommended.
No. Guests of all ages are welcome to attend. Please note that guests must be 21 years or older to consume alcoholic beverages.
We will do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice. Please indicate any allergies or dietary needs when purchasing your ticket or contact us before the event.
No. We’ll have a guest list at check-in, so simply provide the name used during registration.
Yes! If you’re unable to attend, please contact us with the name of the person who will be using your ticket.
Yes! Please let us know in advance so we can update our guest list.
We’re happy to help! Contact us at (614) 297-0592 or mray@nsifoodpantry.org