The search is on for our next
Champion
Does your student love to cook or enjoy getting creative in the kitchen? This is their moment!
Florida Future Chef is a statewide culinary competition that invites Florida students to showcase their creativity using nutritious ingredients grown right here in Florida, for a chance to compete at a live finale event and win up to $5,000 in a Florida Prepaid Savings Plan.
Students are challenged to design a school meal that brings together at least three of the five key components: fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy or dairy alternatives. Along the way, they’ll build confidence, practice real-world skills, and explore how food connects to fuel for your body, agriculture, and creativity.
Entries are now open. All submissions must be completed online by Monday, July 13, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET.
Entry Details
What to Submit
To enter, students will create and share a look into their cooking process and the creativity behind it. A complete video entry must:
- Be 2–5 minutes in length
- Include the student introducing themselves and their recipe, including a brief explanation of what inspired the dish
- Show the student preparing their recipe, highlighting key steps from start to finish, and include a clear view of the final plated meal
- Feature a recipe that elevates a school meal, bringing together at least 3 components inspired by federal school meal nutrition standards, and a quick mention of which components are included. These include:
- Fruit
- Vegetables
- Grains
- Protein
- Dairy or dairy alternatives
- Incorporate at least one Fresh From Florida ingredient, such as Florida-grown produce or proteins, into the dish, and explain how it is included
Each contestant may submit one entry, supported by a parent or guardian.
Who Can Enter
Florida Future Chef welcomes young culinary creators from across Florida to showcase their imagination, skills, and love of food. Participation is open to:
- Florida residents ages 8–12 at the time of the finale event September 13-16, 2026
- Students of all cooking skill levels, from beginners learning basics to students who already enjoy experimenting in the kitchen
- Kids who love school meals, want to recreate a family favorite, or simply enjoy creating something delicious from scratch
Timing
Submit your entry by 11:59 pm ET on Monday, July 13, 2026.
Sign up here for reminders and we’ll let you know when the deadline is approaching.
PRIZES
Sponsored by Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation
Finalists earn more than recognition. They unlock an experience designed to celebrate their hard work, creativity, and passion for nutritious cooking. After entries are reviewed and top students are selected, three finalists advance to the live cook‑off finale in Tampa, where they prepare their dishes in front of judges, supporters, and fellow young chefs.
The competition also awards meaningful prizes that help students invest in their education and future goals:
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
Stay Updated
Families can sign up for updates, reminders, and important dates leading up to the entry deadline.
Need more information?
Sign up for updates and reminders to stay in the loop.
Meet Our PRESENTING Sponsor
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
