Future Chefs Challenge
For more than a decade, Sodexo’s National Future Chefs Challenge has encouraged thousands of elementary students across North America to learn more about nutrition, healthy food choices, cooking techniques, presentation, and math skills by participating in a good-natured cooking competition.
Learn more about the Future Chefs Challenge here.
Recipes are judged each year on taste, healthiness, kid-friendliness, originality, ease of preparation, plate presentation, and student-chef presentations to the judges.
The winner at each district then moves on to a regional round with others across the nation. One winner is chosen at the end of the contest and named the National Champion. The winning recipe, along with three other student-created recipes, are added to school menus the following school year.
2025 Future Chefs Winner!:
- Ava, 3rd grade, Wildwood Elementary. Recipe Bourbon Chicken with Rice
2025 Future Chef Finalists:
- Tia, 5th grade, Mayfield Elementary. Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Meatball Sliders
- Ashlynn, 5th grade, Amanda Elementary. Recipe: Taco Casserole
- Samuel, 5th grade, Creekview Elementary. Recipe: Stir-fry beef with Carrot Rice Egg Salad
- KJ, 5th grade, Central Academy. Recipe: Spice It Up Baked Pasta
- Brooklyn, 5th grade, Amanda Elementary. Recipe: Jumbo Stuffed Shells
- Emrey, 5th grade, Creekview Elementary. Recipe: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
2024 Future Chef Winner!:
- Jace, 5th grade, Rosa Parks Elementary. Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls
2024 Future Chef Finalists:
- Harley, 4th grade, Mayfield Elementary. Recipe: Monster Balls
- Legend, 5th grade, Creekview Elementary. Recipe: Big Daddy's Peach Cobbler
- Riley, 5th grade, Mayfield Elementary. Recipe: Cheesy Mostaccioli
- Yohely, 4th grade, Creekview Elementary. Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
- Ashlynn, 4th grade, Amanda Elementary. Recipe: Chicken Burrito Bowl
- Auburn, 3rd grade, Amanda Elementary. Recipe: Easy Chocolate Cake
