SANTA MONICA, Calif. -- Cooking and eating is known to bring people together. During Taste of the Nation food festival, it's bringing people together for a good cause.

“Taking a bite out of childhood hunger,” said Chef Nick Shipp.

Childhood hunger is a serious issue in the United States. More than 12 million children live in food insecure homes according to the USDA.

“The fact that one in six kids don’t know where their breakfast will come from in the morning is shocking to me,” said Shipp.

Shipp is the chef at Upper West and a co-chair for Taste of the Nation. The 30th annual event will be held in Culver City this weekend, offering dishes from at least 40 of the best chefs in Los Angeles with proceeds going to No Kid Hungry.

“It’s a good community-driven event, but it gives back to the grand cause of trying to eradicate childhood hunger in America. It’s shocking that in an industrialized country like this that it still exists,” said Shipp.

No Kid Hungry is a cause close to Shipp's heart. He has two children of his own and says he has been very fortunate in his life, so it’s important to give back, especially when kids are involved. Taste of the Nation provides an opportunity to give back.

“It’s a community event with a lot of kids’ activities. Not only is it a great event for a great charity, it’s a fantastic day for everybody,” said Shipp.

Taste of the Nation is taking over Media Park in Culver City on Saturday, May 4. If you would like to enjoy a day of eating, drinking, and giving back, visit Taste of the Nation for ticket information.