GEORGIA (WALB) - The Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) School Nutrition Division announced the deadline for the 10th Annual Student Chef Competition.

Middle school and high school student chefs have until Jan. 9, 2026 to register for the competition.

Middle schoolers must create a recipe for a school breakfast entree. High schoolers must create a recipe for a school lunch entree.

The middle school competition has two phases:

1. A recipe competition
2. A recipe contest for selected finalists

The high school competition has two phases:

1. A recipe competition
2. A cooking competition for selected finalists

“The Fueling Georgia’s Future Student Chef Competition is designed to encourage students to engage with school nutrition professionals and learn about the process of planning for, sourcing, and preparing school meals. Students have the opportunity to demonstrate their culinary skills in a competitive environment while gaining valuable knowledge and experience in recipe development, food preparation, teamwork, and local food systems. In addition, this competition aims to stimulate interest in locally produced agriculture in school nutrition programs. The recipes will feature Georgia grown ingredients. The results are nutritious, student-inspired recipes that include local foods and are easily incorporated into school nutrition programs.”

The website says the competition meets Georgia education standards and provides students with hands-on learning opportunities. Many of the student developed recipes will be incorporated into school meals across the state.

To register for the competition, click here.

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