Future Chefs Bring Creativity and Flavor to the Kitchen in Sodexo’s Culinary Competition

The kitchen was buzzing with excitement as twelve talented elementary students from the Medford School District put their culinary skills to the test in Sodexo’s Future Chefs Challenge—marking the first time the event has returned since before the pandemic.

Designed to inspire young students to make healthy food choices while developing essential cooking skills, the Future Chefs Challenge provides an opportunity for aspiring young chefs to showcase their creativity, presentation skills, and flavor combinations in a friendly competition. Students submitted recipes earlier in the year, and finalists were selected to prepare their dishes live in front of a panel of judges and an enthusiastic audience.

A Competition That Serves Up More Than Just Great Food

Participants in the Future Chefs Challenge were judged in seven key areas:

• Healthy Attributes – How well does the recipe incorporate nutritious ingredients?
• Kid Appeal – Is it fun and enjoyable for kids to eat?
• Ease of Preparation – How manageable is the recipe for young chefs?
• Originality – Does the dish showcase creativity?
• Plate Presentation – How well is the final dish displayed?
• Taste – How delicious is it?
• Student Chef Presentation – How well can the student describe their recipe, techniques, and approach to minimizing food waste?

The competition was judged by a panel of local culinary experts, including:

• Ellie Holty – Work-Based Learning Liaison
• Valerie Fowler – Culinary Arts Instructor, South Medford High School
• Dale Fowler – Culinary Arts Instructor, Hedrick Middle School
• Kristina Morgan – Executive Assistant/Food Program Coordinator

And the Winners Are...

Each student brought something unique to the table, but only one could take home the first-place prize and the opportunity to compete in the National Future Chefs Competition virtually.

• First Place: Megan, Hoover Elementary, 5th grade – Crunchy, Savory Chicken Empanadas
• Second Place: Jaiden, Wilson Elementary, 5th grade – Dominguez Dawg
• Third Place: Trinity, Ruch Elementary, 5th grade – Mac-N-Meat
• People’s Choice Award: Akila, Jackson Elementary, 5th grade – Cheesy Spaghetti and Meatballs Delight

   

Megan Koid’s Crunchy, Savory Chicken Empanadas impressed the judges and earned her the top spot, giving her the chance to represent the district in the National Future Chefs Competition, where she will compete virtually against other young chefs from Sodexo districts across the country.

Bringing It All Together: A Team Effort

Events like this wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of the mentors, Sodexo staff, and planning team members who guided students through the competition. Special thanks to the following individuals for their support:

Mentors and Helpers (Sodexo staff):
Rhechelle Pinckney, Diane Walden, Patty Bazan, Jeanette Hershberger, Pilar Estrada, Crystal Reyes, Shannon Willits, William Prince, Nina Solis, Nathaly Callejas, Candy Hines, Javier Andrade Jr, Janell Hull, and Mekaela Yoes.

Planning & Management Team:
Kim Putman, Lydia Tolley, Chef Tony Zentgraf, Marie Kewley, Sondra Badger, Chrystie Lowe, and Chef Delores Tesky.

A Recipe for Future Success

The Future Chefs Challenge is more than just a cooking contest—it’s an opportunity for students to develop confidence, creativity, and a lifelong appreciation for healthy eating. Whether these young chefs continue on to the national competition or simply take their new skills home to the family dinner table, they have all gained valuable experience that will serve them for years to come.

Congratulations to all of the talented Future Chefs!