SEPTEMBER 9—USDA Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced the Recipes for Healthy Kids Challenge, which is aimed at improving school meals and the health of children by creating new recipes for inclusion on school lunch menus. The challenge is the newest component to First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! Initiative.
For the challenge teams of participants submit an original recipe that meets nutritional requirements in one of three categories: whole-grain foods, dark green and/or orange vegetables, and dry beans and peas (legumes). Each team must include a chef and a school nutrition professional, at least one student who is currently enrolled in grades 4-12 and at least one parent or community member. Recipe submissions must be taste tested by at least 30 students who participate in the National School Lunch Program. Recipes must be submitted by 5 p.m. EST December 30.
Fifteen semi-finalist will have their recipes evaluated by a judging panel during events held at their schools, and the top three teams will compete in a national cook-off to determine a grand-prize winner.
For complete rules and to register, visit RecipesforKidsChallenge.com.