Eight talented young chefs from Rochester School District put their culinary skills to the test in this year’s Future Chefs Competition, sponsored by Sodexo. Open to students in grades 3-5, the event encourages creativity, healthy food choices, and basic cooking skills—all while adding a little friendly competition.
This year’s competitors impressed judges with a wide variety of dishes, including fish tacos with peach salsa, minestrone soup, stuffed chicken breast, meatloaf muffins with carrots, a Cookie Monster cookie, and even a Dirt Cake with gummy worms. Each recipe was judged on taste, healthiness, kid-friendliness, originality, ease of preparation, presentation, and the students' ability to present their dish to the judges.
Congratulations to all the participating chefs: Charlotte Leopold, Skyler Murphy, Saphira Page Barnes, Edwardo Aguirre Delgado, Fredrick Hays, Eli Ramirez, Pippa Haggerty, and Brant Tatum. A special shout-out goes to Brant Tatum, this year’s winner, who wowed the judges with his family recipe—German Runza.
The Future Chefs Challenge is part of Sodexo’s national initiative, which culminates with a regional and national competition. Winning recipes have the chance to be featured on school menus across the country the following school year.
We’re proud of all our students who showcased their skills, creativity, and initiative in this exciting event!