CULINARY CHALLENGE
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” at the heart of this competition is the same one faced by school food professionals every day: to craft healthy and delicious menu items that meet USDA guidelines and adhere to strict per-meal budgets.
11th Annual Real Food for Kids Culinary Challenge
Saturday, April 15, 2023
Robinson Secondary School | 5035 Sideburn Rd | Fairfax, VA 22032
The theme of the next Culinary Challenge is
“Fresh Take on Tradition”
Students are asked to create plant-forward meals reflecting the school community, cultural, and lived experience of team members.
PICTURED: The 2022 Culinary Challenge Winning Team, Kenmore Middle School with Culinary Mentor Ype Van Hengst; Real Food for Kids Executive Director Bonnie Moore; Judges David Hagedorn, Chef Kevin Tien, Chef Shelby McCrone, Chef Stefano Marzano, Shane Logan; Master of Ceremonies Ellie Krieger; Real Food for Kids Director of Programs Mary Porter.
Click to visit page and find out more

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Culinary Challenge 2022 – Kenmore Middle School Video
Real Food for Kids 1.mp4
This is “Real Food for Kids 1.mp4” ...
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