The 2017 “Fresh from Florida” Student Chef Cook-Off champions announcement from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services brought cheers from students and staff at Fort Pierce Westwood High School. ProStart student Sheldon Riley placed second with his Southwestern Chicken and Orzo Salad.
The competition included students in grades nine through 12 from across the state who were challenged to prepare original dishes featuring at least one Florida-grown fruit or vegetable for a panel of judges. Recipes from the top five finalists will be converted into school meal service portions and accessible to sponsors throughout the state.
“A healthy diet is the foundation of academic success, and this competition is a fun way for students to learn how to incorporate wholesome ingredients into their daily lives,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam.
The “Fresh from Florida” Student Chef Cook-Off entry requirements included:
- Applicants had to be a Florida student in 9th through 12th grade.
- The recipe had to be original and submitted with a photo.
- The recipe had to contain at least one fresh fruit or fresh vegetable grown in Florida.
- The recipe had to have clear directions and be prepared in 75 minutes or less.
- The recipe had to promote healthy eating habits and meet National School Lunch Program guidelines.
For more information on the “Fresh From Florida” Student Chef Cook-Off, visit FreshFromFlorida.com/StudentCookOff.
