More than 350 people and 18 local food vendors took part in the 29th annual Taste of the Valley event.  

It's one of many big fundraising events for the Second Harvest Food Bank, and one of many that was put on the shelf in 2020 due to the pandemic.

But Sunday night, the Taste of the Valley made its return, with more than 350 people and 18 food vendors coming together for a great cause, and equally great food.

"The fact that we were here, invited to come," said Erik Hoover, chef and owner of Cockeye BBQ, "...that's pretty cool."

This year's event also featured a basket raffle and auction, but everyone who made this all possible walked away a winner, knowing they raised a lot of money for those in need.

"We raised enough money to 300,000 meals to people in the Mahoning Valley that are struggling," said MIke Iberis, the executive director of Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley. "I think that's a big deal that goes a long way, and it says an awful lot about the people who came here."

Even though it was a bit of a smaller crowd than years past, organizers told 21 News, they're still pleased with the turnout, and more and more people joining in to help feed the valley.

To find out more on how you can help that effort and the Second Harvest food bank, you can head to mahoningvalleysecondharvest.org.