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.

Seven lucky winners across the district will be chosen as finalists to compete in the 15th Anniversary Future Chefs Challenge at Middletown High School on March 6th, 2025. The winner will be entered into the Future Chefs National Challenge for some great prizes!

Learn more about the Future Chefs Challenge here.

All Recipes must be submitted by Friday, January 17th, 2025.

Future Chefs Challenge Recipe Entry Form

Tips to be a Finalist in this Year’s Culinary Competition

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. 

2024 Future Chef Winner!:

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

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