Vestal, NY (WBNG Bingahmton) - 

Local cooks put on their chef hats to help feed the hungry.

Saturday was the 9th annual Chili Cook Off at Binghamton University.

It's the championship competition for New York State.

Nearly 20 pots full of ground beef and hidden ingredients sizzled in the Events Center parking lot.
And hundreds indulged their taste buds.

All money raised goes to CHOW, or the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse.

"I think it's great. I mean, it supports the hunger outreach program here and it's a great thing. People love doing these things to support the hungry in our area," said Rose Blaine of Endicott.

Three cooks were chosen as winners.

They will compete later this year at the international competition in Texas.