by Kate Hindin

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As people around the country celebrated our nation’s 233rd birthday with fireworks, barbeques, and block parties…a crowd of thousands gathered at Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs in Coney Island to witness a very special birthday celebration!

The 94th annual Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest draws the top tier talent in the world of competitive eating. I am referring to people, some of which go by only one name, like Kobayashi, “Cookie” (aka Ed Jarvis) and this year’s winner, “Jaws” (aka Joey Chestnut). These champions come from around the country (and world!) to compete for what many would argue is the Super Bowl of competitive eating. I had the pleasure of not only witnessing this cherished event, but also of representing the Food Bank as Nathan’s and the International Federation of Competitive Eating presented us with a donation of 100,000 Nathan’s hot dogs.

It was a pleasure to be a part of such a treasured Fourth of July tradition. Thank you again to Nathan’s, IFOCE and Major League Eating — the hot dogs donated will provide thousands of meals to hungry New Yorkers throughout the five boroughs!