Announcing the Ohio Grown: Student Chef Showcase

11/12/2024

Chef competition provides hands-on experience with culinary arts careers, nutrition

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce is hosting a new, student-centered Ohio Grown: Student Chef Showcase that encourages student interest in nutrition and culinary arts career pathways through the hands-on experience of developing and cooking an original school lunch recipe. Student competition recipes will highlight the sourcing and consumption of fresh and local foods by incorporating Ohio Harvest of the Month fruits and vegetables.

Under the guidance of an adult supervisor, each student team will develop an original lunch entrée that features at least one Harvest of the Month item and includes a nutrient and cost analysis of their recipe. The analysis should demonstrate that the recipe can be replicated and served in cafeterias across the state.

A Department panel will review submitted recipes. The five top-scoring teams will receive a reimbursement stipend of up to $500 to standardize, perfect, and taste-test their recipes and then participate in a live cooking competition at Columbus State Community College on May 9.

Teams of students in grades 6-12 from schools participating in the National School Lunch Program may apply. The application deadline is Feb. 5.

For more entry details, visit the Ohio Grown: Student Chef Showcase webpage or contact Farm to School Education Specialist Rebecca Naab.