In search of our next
Champion
Every year, we host our statewide Florida Future Chef competition, inviting young chefs from across Florida to showcase their culinary skills using fresh, Florida commodities. We want to see how you would elevate your school meals with a delicious and nutritious creation of your own.
Big prizes are on the line, including a finale celebration in Tampa, Florida, up to $5,000 in college funds and the title of Florida Future Chef Champion!
Who Can Enter?
Students between ages 7 and 13 who live in Florida can submit a video preparing their favorite dish for a panel of judges.
Learn more about eligibility and how to submit a winning entry by reading our Frequently Asked Questions and Official Rules.
How To Apply
Submit a 2-5 minute video of you preparing your elevated school lunch dish using at least one Florida-grown ingredient.
Timing
Submit your entry by 11:59 pm ET on Friday, July 11.
Sign up here for reminders and we’ll let you know when the deadline is approaching.
Our Finale Event
A panel of judges will evaluate all Florida Future Chef submissions and select the top three finalists to participate in our in-person Florida Future Chef Finale September 7-10, 2025, in Tampa, Florida.
PRIZES
2nd Prize
- Florida 529 Savings Plan
1st Prize
- Florida 529 Savings Plan
3rd Prize
- Florida 529 Savings Plan
1st Prize
- Florida 529 Savings Plan
2nd Prize
- Florida 529 Savings Plan
3rd Prize
- Florida 529 Savings Plan
Grab your aprons!
To join the ultimate cook-off and compete to win prizes and the title of 2025 Florida Future Chef Champion, visit our Florida Future Chef Champion Frequently Asked Questions and Official Rules!
Need more information?
Sign up for updates and reminders to stay in the loop.
For questions about Florida Future Chef, feel free to contact Jeremy Eason at Jeremy.Eason@fdacs.gov
Become A Sponsor
Sponsors of Florida Future Chef will be part of creating a cook-off competition in Florida, supported by school districts and Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services partners around the state.
Sponsors will be included in a variety of public relations and advertising efforts, increasing brand exposure and engagement. Florida Future Chef sponsors signal to their audiences that they are invested in supporting Florida commodities, nutritious school meals and culinary aspirations of young students.
Other Programs
Summer BreakSpot
Summer BreakSpot provides nutritious meals at no cost to Florida children 18 and under while school is out for the summer.
National School Lunch Program
The National School Lunch Program provides students with nutritionally balanced school meals, giving them the energy and focus they need to succeed in the classroom – and beyond.
Farm to School
