On Monday, February 22, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced the first-ever 2021 Lunchroom Wars competition, Florida’s official student chef cook-off. The announcement was directed at young chefs and passionate student cooks, who can showcase their skills for the chance to win incredible prizes, including the title of 2021 Lunchroom Wars Champion. Event organizers plan to make this an annual event.
The competition is open to children between the ages of 7 and 13, though they must be Florida residents to enter. Students can apply by submitting a video preparing their favorite dish using Florida produce at www.lunchroomwars.com. Submissions are due by April 9, 2021, at midnight EST. A panel of judges will evaluate the submissions and select the top three winners to participate in a virtual cook-off. The top three winners will be announced on April 16, 2021, and the virtual cook-off will take place the week of May 10-14, 2021. The first-place winner will secure a $5,000 Florida 529 Savings Plan, with the second and third place winners securing $3,000 and $2,000 plans, respectively. The savings plans are sponsored by Humana.
