Eat to fight hunger at Atlanta Airport

If you’re traveling to, from or through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport mid-day on Nov. 2, pack an appetite and make a beeline for the pre-security area of the domestic terminal atrium.

Even if it means you have to go back through security screening to catch your connecting flight.

The airport will be hosting its second annual Taste of Hartsfield-Jackson event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and for $10 you can purchase a book of 10 tickets to exchange for food samples from 10 participating restaurants operating at the airport that has claimed the title of “World’s Busiest” for 18 years in a row.

In addition to all the tastings, this year the live entertainment schedule will include a timed culinary challenge for chefs, beginning at 1 p.m.

Last year’s inaugural "Taste of ..." event at ATL raised $6,000 for Silence the Growl, a United Way of Greater Atlanta program that combats childhood hunger. This year’s event will once again benefit that program and ATL hopes to increase the amount raised.

Want to plan your 10-item tasting menu?

Participating concessionaires include: Mustard Seed BBQ, Harvest & Grounds, Grindhouse Killer Burgers, Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill, Fly Burger, Lotta Frutta, Fresh To Order, Paschal’s, Ecco, Atlanta Chophouse & Brewery, Chick-fil-A, The Varsity, El Taco, Gordon Biersch, Qdoba Mexican Grill, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Piece of Cake, Villa Pizza, Nathan’s Hot Dogs, TGI Fridays, Charley’s Steakery, We Juice It, Phillips Seafood, Jersey Mike’s, Links Grill, Teriyaki Experience, Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint, Papi’s Cuban & Caribbean Cuisine, Braves All Star Grill and Shane’s Rib Shack.

Harriet Baskas is a Seattle-based airports and aviation writer and Paste BN Travel's "At the Airport" columnist. She occasionally contributes to Ben Mutzabaugh's Today in the Sky blog. Follow her at twitter.com/hbaskas.