2026 Real Food for Kids Culinary Challenge

Volunteers are needed to support the Real Food for Kids Culinary Challenge, our annual student competition on February 28 at Hayfield Secondary School.

Our students are changing school lunch menus.

And this is the only event where you can see how they do it! Read More

Since 2012, the Real Food for Kids Culinary Challenge has provided students the unique experience of mirroring the responsibilities of school nutrition professionals by creating delicious, healthy school meals that represent the diverse culinary traditions in our school communities. All while staying within the defined nutrition parameters and cost thresholds of the federally funded National School Meal Program.

It is the only professional culinary competition open to both middle and high school students, and the only competition where students have an opportunity to see their recipe adapted and served on school lunch lines around the Greater Metropolitan Region.

Volunteers may rotate through different assignments throughout the day as event needs shift. ALL volunteers may participate in the Public Tasting where they can sample dishes by student teams, celebrated DC chefs and local restaurants.

Volunteer positions may include (but not be limited to):

• Team Escorts: ensure assigned school/team stay on schedule and support needs they may have
• Judges Liaisons: guide judges to Judges Room, manage team times before the judges and assist with awards during ceremony
• Registration: check in registrants and assist with directions and school entry points
• Ambassadors: assist registrants with locating Demo and Public Tasting Rooms, distribute event programs, circulate during Public Tasting. Ambassadors will be wearing vegetable costumes that can be slipped on over street clothing.
• Chef Demos: assist local chefs with demo preparation and plating of samples for the Public Tasting

The Real Food for Kids Culinary Challenge gives volunteers the opportunity to see how students are changing the face of school food and the health of their schools. Please join us for this extraordinary day.