K-12 by Elior sponsored Junior Chef Competitions where more than 50 third through eighth grade students were inspired to compete and learn about the culinary arts – even incorporating Earth Day activities such as purchasing fresh produce from a pop-up farmer’s market.
“Judges Choice” was the Creamy Broccoli awarded to Kiaralee Brown, 13, of Farmington High School in New Mexico who received $1,000 in grand prize winnings during the school’s comfort foods themed event co-sponsored by Hilcorp Gas & Oil, Farmington Municipal Schools, Blue Mountain and Creamland Dairy. Miss Brown, who is in 7th grade, has proudly competed in the event each year which was first introduced in 2023!
“To our K-12 by Elior onsite partners thank you for always, always, always giving 110% effort and energy to our students!! Job well done,” says Marie E. Johnson, CCNP, CMP, SNS, Farmington Municipal Schools Student Nutrition Program Supervisor
Chicken Tortilla Soup and Yum-Yum Chimichangas also received “Judges Choice” awards at Benson Unified Schools in Benson, Arizona, where students were selected to participate based on answers they provided to a questionnaire about their passion for cooking, what inspires them to cook, favorite dishes to create and the chef they aspire to be!
Each team had an hour to prepare their meal and provide two plates of sample portions that were judged based on best presentation, recipe, taste and team spirit. The Benson event, which was themed Mexican, Spanish or Native American cuisine, was proudly judged by Mayor of Benson Joe Konrad along with Walmart Store Manager Katie Morales; Assistant High School Principal Candice Rogers; and Benson Hospital Director of Community Health and Engagement Jason Zibart.
While K-12 by Elior offered pantry items such as eggs, butter and proteins, teams were also encouraged to purchase produce from a pop- up farmer’s market located in the Benson Unified School dining hall featuring local produce from Southwinds Farms and chili ingredients from Curry’s Seeds and Chili Farm of Cochise County.
“The goal is to teach students how to become skilled shoppers when shopping on a budget for fresh and healthy food. This is a friendly competition that promotes community involvement, culture and most importantly, creates a learning environment for our students – perhaps even inspiring them to think about the culinary arts as a future career,” says K-12 by Elior Food Service Director for Benson Schools Adam Gentles.
Congratulations to the Judges Choice Award Winning Benson Unified Teams!
Team Baddiez (Primary School) Winners of Chicken Tortilla Soup: Miranda Flaherty, Maci Fernandez, Audrey Moon Contreras, and Louis Soliz
Team Mad Hatters (Middle School) Winners of Yum-Yum Chimichangas: Camille Rahimoff, Gabrielle Castagno, and Kaylee Johnson