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.

2024 Future Chef Winner!:

Jace Maynard, 5th grade, Rosa Parks Elementary. Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls

Jace will now be entered in the Future Chefs National Challenge!

2024 Future Chef Finalists:

Harley Wolf, 4th grade, Mayfield Elementary. Recipe: Monster Balls
Legend Cornwall, 5th grade, Creekview Elementary. Recipe: Big Daddy's Peach Cobbler
Riley Johnson, 5th grade, Mayfield Elementary. Recipe: Cheesy Mostaccioli
Yohely Oliva Cruz, 4th grade, Creekview Elementary. Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Ashlynn Griffith, 4th grade, Amanda Elementary. Recipe: Chicken Burrito Bowl
Auburn Jackson, 3rd grade, Amanda Elementary. Recipe: Easy Chocolate Cake

Student dressed as chef poses for photo while wearing medal. — Jace, a 5th grader at Rosa Parks Elementary is the 2024 Future Chef winner for Middletown City Schools

Plate of Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls — Jace's winning recipe, Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls

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.