The Taste of Seahawks kicked off on Monday as part of the Taste of the NFL's Kick Hunger Challenge campaign, a friendly fundraising competition—that Seattle has had plenty of success in—between all 32 NFL teams to raise money for food banks nationwide.

Proceeds from the Seattle Seahawks team, led by Chef John Howie and former Seahawk Craig Terrill, go directly to Food Lifeline – Washington State's largest hunger relief network, providing 90,000 meals a day to local food assistance programs. The campaign also supports Ben's Fund, launched by Seattle Seahawks General Manager John Schneider and his wife Traci, which provides grant opportunities to families in Washington State who have a child or children on the autism spectrum. The grant provides financial assistance for various services, therapies and equipment specifically related to autism treatment. Ben's Fund is associated with FEAT (Families for Effective Autism Treatment) of Washington.

The event was set up as a large strolling tasting experience throughout the Delta Sky360 Club at CenturyLink Field which included 22 of Seattle's finest restaurants and award-winning chefs, 11 wineries, 14 breweries, and 23 distilleries. More than 600 supporters attended, including Seattle Seahawks players & Legends, coaches, and fans. Restaurants were represented from First & Goal Hospitality, a recent initiative to bring sustainability and an improved fan experience to the stadium.

This party with a purpose was modeled after the Taste of the NFL's annual philanthropic party held at the Super Bowl each year, which benefits a charitable cause. It provided a great way for supporters to enjoy great food prepared by Seattle's best chefs like Howie, Josh Henderson, Jason Wilson, John Sundstrom, and Cam Hanin, among others.