HSC Press Releases

Contact: Lehia Franklin Acox, 773.960.1908
lfacox@healthyschoolscampaign.org


Contest challenges student ‘top chefs’ to cook up healthy school lunch
Winners will have meal served nationwide, travel to DC to advocate for school food funding

October 28, 2009 (Chicago, IL)—Student chefs from 15 Chicago Public Schools (CPS) high schools are competing tomorrow in Cooking up Change, a healthy cooking contest sponsored by Healthy Schools Campaign that challenges teams to create healthy school lunches for only $1 per meal for food costs. Contest winners will have their meals served to students nationwide and will travel to DC when their meal is served at the US Capitol. Chicago bakery Little Miss Muffin will help market the winning healthy cookie to retail stores.

The contest—with a ‘celebrity’ judging panel and more than 600 guests—not only showcases culinary students’ skills but highlights the importance of getting schools more money for healthier meals. Currently school districts receive $2.58 to serve lunch, which includes food, labor, facilities and administrative costs. According to the School Nutrition Association, school districts on average lose about 35 cents for each school lunch they serve. In major urban areas like Chicago, the loss per meal is twice that amount.

“Cooking up Change gives students a forum to present their creative ideas about what healthy school food can be,” says Rochelle Davis, founding executive director, Healthy Schools Campaign. “And while the contest is fun, it carries an important message: schools need more money for better food. We’re asking Congress to approve $1 more per meal when it reauthorizes the Child Nutrition Act next year.”

Last year’s winning team from Richards Career Academy had its meal served to more than 40,000 public school students across the country as well as in the U.S. House of Representatives cafeteria. The team also toured the White House and cooked with White House Chef Sam Kass.

Student teams devise their meals in consultation with their school culinary instructors and volunteer chef mentors from around the Chicago area. Recipes are analyzed for nutritional value in advance of the contest by staff from Chartwells-Thompson Hospitality, which operates CPS’ school food program.

Leading sponsors of the contest are Applegate Farms and Chartwells-Thompson Hospitality. Linda Boardman, president, Applegate Farms, says, “Healthy food is our priority and that’s why we are committed to improving school meals for all students.” And Bob Bloomer, regional vice president, Chartwells-Thompson is excited to “see the creativity of the students. It is so important to involve them and allow their energy to help bring healthier food to the table.”

Hosted by co-chairs Kelly Dettman , Lisa Gershenson, Jill Houk and Nina Winston and emceed byUnivision Chicago anchor Enrique Rodriguez, the event will be held Thursday, October 29 at Salvage One in Chicago and features tasting stations, silent auction and awards presentation.

 Participating schools:

  • Chicago Vocational Career Academy
  • Clemente Community Academy High School
  • Corliss High School
  • Curie Metro High School
  • Dunbar Vocational Career Academy
  • Hyde Park Academy High School
  • Manley Career Academy High School
  • Marshall Metro High School
  • North-Grand High School
  • Orr Career Academy High School
  • Percy L Julian High School
  • Prosser Career Academy
  • Simeon Career Academy High School
  • Richards Career Academy High School
  • Tilden Career Community High School

Judges:

  • Lyle Allen , President, Green City Market
  • Bob Bloomer , Regional Vice-President, Chartwells-Thompson Hospitality
  • David Cleverdon , Owner, Kinnikinnick Farm
  • Judith Dunbar-Hines , Director of Culinary Arts and Events, City of Chicago Dept. of Cultural Affairs
  • Clarisol Duque , Chicago Director, Office of Senator Richard Durbin
  • Chris Ely , Co-founder, Applegate Farms
  • Louise Esaian , Logistics Officer, Chicago Public Schools
  • Deb Eschmeyer , Marketing and Outreach Director, National Farm to School Network and IATP Food & Society Fellow
  • Tawakalitu Jogunosimi , Educational Advisor to the Mayor, City of Chicago Office of the Mayor
  • David Lazarus , Senior Advisor to the Secretary, US Department of Agriculture
  • Mark Mendez , Executive Chef, Carnivale
  • Joel Nickson , Chef/Owner, Wishbone
  • Bill Reynolds , Provost, Washburne Culinary Institute
  • Elaine Sikorski , Chef Instructor, Kendall College
  • Audarshia Townsend , Dining/Lifestyle/Nightlife Writer, 312DiningDiva.com
  • Orrin Williams , New Projects Coordinator, Growing Home

 About Healthy Schools Campaign

Healthy Schools Campaign, an independent not-for-profit organization, is a leading authority on healthy school environments and a voice for people who care about our environment, our children, and education. We work with students, parents, teachers, school nurses, administrators, community members and others to advocate for policies and practices that allow all students, teachers and staff to learn and work in a healthy school environment. Learn more at www.healthyschoolscampaign.org.

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