Announcing the Cooking up Change National Finalists!

Healthy Schools Campaign and the National Farm to School Network are pleased to announce the finalists in the Cooking up Change National Healthy Cooking Contest!

These talented high school and college students designed school lunches that meet strict nutrition guidelines and taste great. Student meals could only use ingredients commonly available for food service and were required to incorporate a locally-produced item. The finalists will receive an all-expenses paid trip to Taking Root, the National Farm to Cafeteria conference this May in Detroit, Michigan to compete in the Cooking up Change finals. All finalists will win a fabulous set of cookware from T-fal. In the final round, each team will battle for first place as they prepare their meal and serve to a panel of prestigious judges.

Congratulations to the finalists, and to all the remarkable students who entered the Cooking up Change National Healthy Cooking Contest!

Students on the Tohono O'odham Community Action team gather local spinach to use in the lunch they designed

High School Finalists

Laurel Harvest Challenge Team (Wisconsin)
Students: Dylan Bruce, Kateri Burton, Anders Lewis
Teachers: Bjorn Bergman and Renee Baker
Menu: Rice Pilaf, Spinach Salad, and Peach Cobbler

St. Paul Community Design Center Culinary Crew (Minnesota)
Students: Xia Lee, Kou Lee, Vinnis Lee
Teacher: Jayme Anderson
Menu: Crunchy Pesto Chicken, Polenta Pizza, and Minnesota Slaw

Tohono O'odham Community Action Cooking Club (Arizona)
Students: Ross R. Miguel, Yvette Ventura, Zade Arnold
Teacher: Mary Paganelli
Menu: Tepary Bean Quesadillas, Baby Spinach and Pear Salad with Carrot Vinaigrette, and Yogurt Peanut Butter Fruit Dip


College Finalists

Team Basil Chicken Spaghetti (University of California, Berkeley)
Students: YingFang Liao, YuLi Chen, Qianxiong Zheng
Menu: Basil Chicken Spaghetti, Sweet Potato Pancake, and Yogurt Fruit Salad

Team Cornbread Casserole (University of California, Berkeley)
Students: Brittany Mellen, Radha Changela, Kasuen Mauldin
Menu: Heart-healthy Cornbread Casserole, Colorful Rice Delight, Brownie Surprise

Team Pollo Om-Rice (University of California, Berkeley)
Students: Janice Chow, Clarice Kam, Regine Leger
Menu: Pollo Om-Rice, Libon Salad, and Peachilla Parfait

Stay posted for updates on the teams and the Cooking up Change National Healthy Cooking Contest!

Students from the Laurel Harvest Challenge Team developing their recipes