A downtown church is trying to help increase access to healthy food for its neighbors, and it will hold an event this Saturday to raise funds for the effort.

Suffolk Christian Fellowship Center will hold the food tasting event, Savor “da” Flavor, from 5 to 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 each.

Chief operating officer Lorna Slaughter said she got the idea for the fundraiser from an event she attended in Richmond.

“Our organization is trying to increase food security for our neighbors in need,” she said. “One of the things people are telling me all the time is there’s always this balance. We have to determine whether we’re going to buy food, whether we’re going to buy medicine, or pay our rent or lights or water. This will give people the opportunity to not have to make those choices.”

Slaughter said the organization has partnered with Operation Blessing to start a program where folks can get a box of goods for a $10 donation.

“You would never be able to go to the grocery store and get this amount of goods for $10,” Slaughter said. “We want to expand this program. These funds will help us be able to do that.”

Slaughter said Saturday’s program will offer the opportunity to taste a variety of dishes, including soups, a raw dish, an appetizer, a main dish and a dessert.

“At each one of them, there is healthy food, and they really encourage you to taste it all,” she said.

The event will teach visitors about ways to prepare recipes that are a healthier spin on soul food, Slaughter added.

“I’m really asking the community to come out and support the event,” Slaughter said. “This is a prime opportunity to give back. You’re not only supporting a great organization, but you get an opportunity to learn about new foods.”

The fundraiser will be held at Suffolk Christian Church, 216 N. Main St. Call 539-2600.