Students showcase skills in cooking competition
5/13/2025
Supporting student interest in culinary arts, using local produce
On May 9, the Department hosted the Ohio Grown: Student Chef Showcase, a student competition at Columbus State Community College. Each team prepared their original school lunch entrée, featuring Ohio Harvest of the Month items, for a panel of judges. The showcase highlighted the culinary arts and the value of consuming local, fresh foods
In the lead-up to the competition, teams of three to five students in grades 6-12 submitted original lunch recipes intended for use in school meals, along with a nutrient analysis, cost breakdowns, photos, and dish descriptions. Five teams were selected as finalists to compete in the live cooking competition portion of the event:
- Hamilton City Schools: Sweet and Spicy Rainbow Tacos
- Milford Exempted Village School District: Sizzlin’ Honey-Glazed Cluck and Spud Delight
- Seton Catholic School (Hudson, Ohio): Spinach Spaghetti with Cherry Tomatoes and Chicken Italiano
- Southwest Licking Schools: Loaded Fries
- The Ohio State School for the Blind: Sweet Heat Mediterranean Bowl
Congratulations to the team of students representing Hamilton City Schools for being selected as the winners, as well as the other finalists for showcasing their exceptional culinary skills and talent.
Read NBC-4’s news coverage of this event.
For more information, visit the Ohio Grown: Student Chef Showcase webpage or contact Farm to School Education Specialist Rebecca Naab.