In the spirit of feeding community and raising awareness about hunger, the Elizabeth Peabody House in Somerville’s Winter Hill neighborhood is excited to announce that it will be holding its first Pizza Challenge Fundraiser to benefit its emergency food pantry on Saturday, April 2, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 277 Broadway.

The public is invited to taste--and then vote on--a wide selection of pizzas that will be baked up by some of Somerville’s finest pizzerias, including Leones, Primo’s, Pinis, Caesars, and Eat at Jumbos. 

For $10 ($6 for children under 12), attendees are eligible for all-you-can-eat slices, such as the shrimp scampi or the veggie bomb, and asked to rate each pie based on several criteria to determine which pizzeria whips up the ultimate slice. 

Prizes will be awarded for best pizza, overall best pizzeria, healthiest option and most creative pizza. 

“We’re excited to be able to host such a delicious event,” said Selvin Chambers, Peabody House’s executive director. “Somerville’s first Pizza Challenge will not only raise money for our pantry but also bring so much awareness around important food issues, such as food insecurity and hunger in our community.”

Tough economic conditions put a strain on both Peabody House families and residents of Somerville, and sparked the creation of the Peabody House’s Community Food Pantry.  The pantry began as a pilot project in September 2009 and opened to the public three months later. 

“We currently provide more than 175 Somerville families per month with food relief and a sense of comfort in this tough economic climate,” explained Paul Kuhne, the pantry’s coordinator.

For more information about the event or to purchase tickets in advance please contact Paul Kuhne at pkuhne@elizabethpeabodyhouse.org or call 617-623-5510. 

There are a limited number of tickets available, so hurry and buy yours today!   

The above article is an edited announcement from the Elizabeth Peabody House.