Binghamton Restaurant Week is back to promote economic growth in Binghamton and also raise funds for local charities that need it the most.

More than 30 restaurants in the city are participating in this promotion with three-course meals for both lunch and dinner.

It's ten days filled with great deals at restaurants throughout the city but for many, it means so much more.

This year, CHOW (Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse) and the Animal Care Council will benefit from the proceeds.

"It's kind of a match made in heaven. People go out they support restaurants in Binghamton and some of the proceeds go to helping people in our community," said Mike Leahey, the CHOW director.

It would take almost 8 million pounds of food to end hunger in Broome County, according to the United States Census Bureau.

"All of the sources combined, we're only putting out 3 million pounds of food. It's daunting when you think about it," said Leahey.

Leahey said it's events like Binghamton Restaurant Week that really helps CHOW feed those in need. And he said the timing couldn't be better. "Money is already tight and you have heating bills coming in, holidays coming up, families are already food insecure and you have a school break in December. It really makes things tight."

And for those organizing the event, they said donating locally is not like donating to a national organization.

"You feel like it's a drop in the bucket. It's important but it feels like a drop in a bucket. When you're contributing to a local charity and you see the effects, you can go and visit the food pantry, you can go and volunteer, you can see the people effected, it makes a big difference to know that you're really really doing a lot," said co-organizer Joshua Bernard.

Bernard said it's up to the local businesses that are thriving to help the rest of the community reach new heights. "The only way to make sure that we all do well together is to run charity events like this and to make sure that some of the funds from successful events like ours that grow and grow and grow go back to lifting up the rest of the community."

And with restaurant week, people can contribute while also enjoying a nice meal out.