Everett Allard from Wellington, Florida placed 3rd overall in the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ statewide cooking competition
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is excited to announce the winners of its inaugural 2022 Lunchroom Wars, Florida’s official student chef cook-off. Out of nearly 300 entries from across the state, three finalists progressed to the finale event where they cooked live in front of three guest judges. Each walked away with prizes, but only one secured the title of 2022 Lunchroom Wars Champion.
Lunchroom Wars returned with an in-person finale this year with student chefs going head-to-head with their competitors in the kitchen at the Epicurean Hotel in Tampa, Florida. The students were able to showcase their cooking skills by creating a tasty dish featuring Florida commodities. All three chefs created incredible, locally-inspired dishes.
This year’s panel of esteemed judges included Chef and Social Media Foodie, Dorothy Content, 2021 Lunchroom Wars Winner, Isaiah Romeo, and General Manager, Student Nutrition Services, Shani Hall.
The finalists included:
- First Place Winner: Juliet Karsak, Melbourne, Florida Virtual School
- Second Place Winner: Emmersyn Smith, Lakeland, Homeschool
- Third Place Winner: Everett Allard, Wellington, Polo Park Middle School
The winners received prizes from the Presenting Sponsor Humana and Humana Healthy Horizons in Florida. The first-place winner received a $5,000 Florida 529 Savings Plan College Scholarship, the second-place winner received a $3,000 scholarship, and the third-place winner received a $2,000 scholarship. They also enjoyed complimentary desserts from Bern’s Steakhouse and a family pizza party from Colony Grill.
“It was such an honor to have these incredible student chefs together in one kitchen. We hope this competition leaves them with excitement and everlasting memories. Thank you to everyone involved and we are already excited for next year” – Jeremy Eason, Outreach Director, Division of Nutrition, Education and Outreach.
Wellington, Florida’s very own Everett Allard has won the 3rd place prize with his Macadamia Crusted Florida Snapper Pineapple Boat. Everett incorporated Guava and Florida Citrus in his dish as well as fresh herbs and spices.
WHO: Everett Allard from Wellington, Florida placed 3rd overall in the 2022 Lunchroom Warscompetition.
WHAT: The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services annual Lunchroom Wars cooking competition.
WHEN: Thursday, November 3, 2022
WHERE: The Epicurean Hotel in Tampa, Florida
To request access for footage of the cook off event, including your regional contestant’s winning entry, an interview with an FDACS representative or an interview with your finalist, please contact Selby Proctor.
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About the Division of Food, Nutrition and Wellness: The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer services and its Division of Food, Nutrition and Wellness conducts, supervises and administers child nutrition and commodity food distribution programs that are carried out using state or federal funds. We provide outreach, guidance and training to child nutrition program sponsors, schools, school food service directors, parents and teacher organizations, and students about the benefit of fresh food produced in Florida. Our mission is to ensure that every child in Florida has access to a healthy, nutritious meal each day; increase awareness and consumption of Florida’s agricultural commodities; reduce food insecurity among Florida’s most vulnerable populations; and encourage healthy lifestyle among Florida residents.