Save the Date:
15th Annual Real Food for Kids Culinary Challenge
Saturday, February 27, 2027
Hayfield Secondary School | 7630 Telegraph Rd, Alexandria, VA 22315
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.
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.
Student teams–lead by a teacher mentor– can compete in the Lunch or Showcase categories. Lunch teams are evaluated in middle and high school levels, but all teams present their recipe to a panel of acclaimed DC-area chefs. Showcase teams may submit a School Breakfast or Smart Snack, and winners are selected by public vote.
the timeline
Registration
Draft Deadline
Final Deadline
Competition Day!
Wednesday, September 16th to
Wednesday, September 30th
Wednesday,
December 9th
Wednesday,
February 3rd
Saturday,
February 27th
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
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.
