Now in his second consecutive year participating in the event, Mr Benedet will join business leaders and leading chefs on 15 October to prepare and serve meals while raising vital funds for OzHarvest's food rescue and food relief programs.
Mr Benedet said the event provides an opportunity for leaders to support practical solutions to one of the country's growing social challenges.
"Food insecurity is a growing reality for too many Australians and it has a direct impact on people's health, wellbeing and quality of life," Mr Benedet said.
"CEO CookOff brings people together to make a tangible difference, whether through fundraising, volunteering or simply raising awareness of the challenges many families face every day."
The event comes as an estimated 3.5 million Australian households struggle to put food on the table. In the ACT, OzHarvest Canberra delivers rescued food free of charge to 64 local charities every week, helping support vulnerable people across the region.
Mr Benedet said the local impact of the fundraising effort was one of the reasons he was eager to participate again this year.
"What makes CEO CookOff particularly powerful is that the funds raised stay in the local community, helping ensure food reaches people who need it most," he said.
"OzHarvest's work goes beyond meals. It helps strengthen communities, provides dignity and support during difficult times, and creates connections that can make a lasting difference."
Funds raised through this year's event will contribute to OzHarvest's goal of delivering an additional five million meals to Australians in need.
Mr Benedet encouraged members of the pharmacy community to support the fundraiser where possible.
"Community pharmacy has always been deeply connected to the communities it serves. Supporting initiatives like CEO CookOff is another way we can contribute to the health and wellbeing of Australians beyond the pharmacy counter," he said.
Those wishing to support Mr Benedet's fundraising efforts can donate via his CEO CookOff fundraising page: Support Gerard Benedet's CEO CookOff fundraising.
