Competing chefs prepare and serve samples during the second annual Soul Food Cook-Off hosted by Connecting Cultures Collaborative on March 14 at the Sutter County Museum in Yuba City.

 

YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - The aroma of slow-simmered spices, buttery desserts and comfort food classics filled the air March 14 as the second annual Soul Food Cook-Off returned to Yuba City, drawing dozens of community members and seven competing chefs. Hosted by the nonprofit Connecting Cultures Collaborative at the Sutter County Museum’s Ettl Hall, the event more than doubled in size from its inaugural year, according to organizers, bringing together home cooks, local organizations and families for an afternoon of food, culture and community connection.

Many of the competitors were home cooks sharing family recipes and personal stories through their dishes. Among them was Sonya Wilson, whose “Grandma’s Jambalaya” took home the People’s Choice award for best overall dish.

“My sister and I had come to the first cook-off event last year and said we wanted to do it next year,” Wilson said. “Unfortunately, she passed, but this is next year, so we are here doing it in her honor.”

From left, Lanora Miller, Sonya Wilson and Natasha Branum pose with their People’s Choice awards alongside Connecting Cultures Collaborative Executive Director Gwen Ford following the second annual Soul Food Cook-Off on March 14 at the Sutter County Museum in Yuba City.

In the dessert category, Lanora Miller swept both the judges’ pick and the People’s Choice award with a moist carrot cake made from scratch. Meanwhile, Monique Web drew steady lines from guests eager to sample her seafood mac and cheese, a rich side dish that quickly became one of the most talked-about items of the afternoon.

“It was a really nice time,” Web said. “I enjoy feeding the community and meeting so many others passionate about food.”

Those interested in sampling more of Web’s cooking can order from her business, Mo’Betta Finger Foods Southern Cuisine, through DoorDash.

For event organizer Gwen Ford, executive director of Connecting Cultures Collaborative, the cook-off represents more than just a culinary competition. It is also an opportunity to highlight cultural traditions while bringing the community together.

“I’m glad to see how much it’s grown in just one year,” Ford said. “We had a lot more kids here too, which is nice to see. There was one young couple who were in here and they were so excited. They kept saying, ‘We’ve never had soul food before,’ so it’s nice to give people that opportunity.”

From left, Lanora Miller, Corinthia French and Monique Web hold their Judges’ Pick awards alongside Connecting Cultures Collaborative Executive Director Gwen Ford during the Soul Food Cook-Off on March 14 at the Sutter County Museum in Yuba City.

Founded in 2023, Connecting Cultures Collaborative works to strengthen community connections across cultural groups while supporting local service organizations. The nonprofit focuses on expanding access to education, economic opportunities and community support programs.

Through its network of more than 30 member organizations, CCC helps coordinate outreach and communication efforts, so services reach diverse communities throughout the Yuba-Sutter region. Partner organizations participating in the cook-off included agencies such as the American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, local Health and Human Services representatives and researchers affiliated with UC Davis.

The cook-off also serves as a fundraiser supporting the nonprofit’s operational costs and community programs. Among those initiatives is a community health outreach project connected to prostate cancer research in partnership with UC Davis, aimed at improving awareness and engagement in the Yuba-Sutter region.

Beyond the cook-off, the organization also hosts a Juneteenth celebration each year in Yuba City and partners with local nonprofits to help share information about services, programs and community events. For Ford, the goal of the cook-off remains simple: celebrate culture through food while creating space for connection.

“This event is another opportunity for people in our community to learn about the richness of our diverse community and another culture that helps make up that richness,” she said.

Sonya Wilson, right, poses with family members during the second annual Soul Food Cook-Off on March 14 at the Sutter County Museum in Yuba City. Yuba City. Wilson’s “Grandma’s Jambalaya” earned the People’s Choice Award, and she said she entered the competition in honor of her sister who had hoped to participate with her this year.