Learn food safety, food preparation, nutrition, and kitchen safety. Then participate in a culminating team food challenge event where youth plan, prepare, and present a dish.

Key Concepts

  • Food Advocacy
  • Foods & Nutrition
  • Healthy Living

For Youth Grades Middle and High School

Youth will:

  • Exhibit their knowledge and skills when preparing and presenting a dish
  • Learn from other team members
  • Demonstrate teamwork while planning, preparing, and presenting their dish
  • Practice public speaking when presenting their topic to judges
  • Practice leadership within their group
  • Participate in a new and exciting competitive event
  • Practice proper food safety techniques and handling
  • Youth will practice in teams to plan, prepare and present a dish with predetermined ingredients within 40 minutes in one of four categories – main dish, fruits and vegetables, breads and cereal, and nutritious snacks. 
  • Youth will participate in 6 to 8 practice sessions, using different ingredients for each session. 
  • Teams of youth will participate in the Illinois 4-H Food Challenge, create a dish using a predetermined set of ingredients, and present to judges.
Cross-Extension, Campus, and Community Collaborators

Local high school family and consumer science teachers and students

Local volunteers with expertise in nutrition and food preparation, such as dieticians, dietetic students, chefs, or 4-H food judges