COAL GROVE — Generally, food is thought of as a way of keeping someone’s tummy from rumbling.

But this weekend, food will also be art and a means of making money for programs that benefit young people.

The Family Guidance Center in Ironton is sponsoring a bean cook-off 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at Dawson-Bryant Middle School. On display at the bean cook-off will be canned food collected by area high school students that has been fashioned into temporary works of art. The canned goods will go to local food pantries.

Proceeds from the bean cook-off will pay for youth alcohol, tobacco and drug prevention programs throughout the year.

“These are programs that promote a healthy lifestyle, anything that helps young people become healthy adults,” Family Guidance Center Prevention and Development Director Molly Stevens said.

The theme for the food art competition is “Wonders of the World.” Teams from Rock Hill, Dawson Bryant, Ironton and Chesapeake high schools are taking part.

The cost of admission

to the cook-off is $2.