For the sixth year, Charles and Mari Ann Banks welcomed guests to Food from the Heart, held at the party barn of their magnificent home White Hall. Their hospitality has a purpose: to make sure Gloucester County food banks and pantries have ample stock on their shelves.

Chefs from U.S. Foods, a food service distributor, were joined by a number of guest chefs to share their cooking skills and knowledge. The two-day event late last month featured four sessions. Food from the Heart has become an annual event this area looks forward to with great anticipation, and includes good old southern hospitality, camaraderie, learning new and interesting kitchen techniques, tasting fantastic dishes and knowing Gloucester citizens will be the beneficiaries. The entrance fee: a bag of groceries and your ticket.

U.S. Foods’ chefs on hand included Executive Chef Bill Brooks, also master of ceremonies, who said the theme of this year’s cooking was “fresh, properly seasoned and healthy...