Our students are changing school lunch menus.
And this is the only event where you can see how they do it!
Since 2012, the Real Food for Kids Culinary Challenge has provided students the unique experience of mirroring the responsibilities of school nutrition professionals by creating delicious, healthy school meals that represent the diverse culinary traditions in our school communities. All while staying within the defined nutrition parameters and cost thresholds of the federally funded National School Meal Program.
It is the only professional culinary competition open to both middle and high school students, and the only competition where students have an opportunity to see their recipe adapted and served on school lunch lines around the Greater Metropolitan Region.
the challenge:
Create a plant-forward meal that students will love while meeting USDA nutritional guidelines and staying under a $2.70 per-meal budget.
Will it be YOUR recipe on next year’s lunch trays?
2026 winning submissions
Smart Snack Winner
Oxon Hill High School
Prince George’s County Public Schools
Tropi-Berry Cup
Lunch Winner
Potomac Middle School
Prince William County Public Schools
BBQ Tofu Sliders and Strawberry Fields Salad with Chickpeas and Vinaigrette
Breakfast Winner
Freedom High School
Prince William County Public Schools
Eagle Harvest Rollups
SAVE THE DATE
15th Annual Real Food for Kids Culinary Challenge
Saturday, February 27, 2027
Hayfield Secondary School | 7630 Telegraph Rd, Alexandria, VA 22315
EVENT CHAIR
Chef Kevin Tien, Moon Rabbit
CULINARY MENTOR
Ype Von Hengst, Silver Diner
the culinary challenge needs volunteers!
Opportunities to assist in set up and event-day coordination will be posted closer to competition day. Volunteer support is critical for the success of the Culinary Challenge!
Volunteers must be 18 years or older.
Student volunteer opportunities will be posted on X2vol.
