Gold Star will donate a portion of sales from all chili menu items during October to the Freestore Foodbank as part of its annual National Chili Month campaign.
The effort is part of a partnership between the Cincinnati-based restaurant chain and the Freestore Foodbank, which serves families across Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky and Southeast Indiana.
According to a press release, Gold Star has raised nearly $250,000 for the organization, providing more than 750,000 meals since the program began in 2017. Last year’s campaign raised about $45,000, equivalent to 135,000 meals.
This year’s campaign also highlights several “Flavor Makers,” community members recognized for their work in the region. Honorees include:
- Kurt Reiber, president and CEO, Freestore Foodbank
- Tianay Amat, president and CEO, Cincinnati Works
- Rickell Howard Smith, president and CEO, YWCA Greater Cincinnati
- Brent Billingsley, artist and behavioral health Specialist, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital
- Deborah Brant, president and CEO, Cincinnati Ballet
- Elizabeth Pierce, president and CEO, Cincinnati Museum Center
- Siri Imani, CEO of Imani Productions and co-founder of Triiibe Foundation
- Rocky Boiman, ESPN College Football Analyst and co-host of “The Eddie & Rocky Show” on 700WLW
Reiber, who has worked with Gold Star since the partnership began, is also named a special honorary Flavor Maker this year. He is set to retire in 2026.
Customers can participate by purchasing any chili menu item at Gold Star locations throughout October. Orders can be made through dine-in, drive-thru, carryout, online, or the Gold Star Rewards app.