Jr Iron Chef VT
Since 2008, over 5,000 Vermont teens have participated in the annual culinary competition. They develop skills and knowledge of healthy cooking, local foods, teamwork, and leadership while being exposed to career opportunities in the food system.
To keep the spirit of the competition alive during the pandemic, we offered at-home or in-school opportunities for youth chefs to cook and virtually share their creations with the community.
As of 2021, Vermont Afterschool is the lead organizer of Jr Iron Chef VT. Learn more about the current program and how to get involved.
About the Program
Jr Iron Chef VT is a statewide culinary competition challenging teams of middle and high school students to engage in improving their own health and the health of their community by creating nutritious, local dishes to inspire school meal programs.
The annual event invites teams of 3–5 students — coached by local educators, chefs, school nutrition staff, and parents — to gather in the spirit of friendly competition and cook up an original recipe in under 90 minutes. Every dish is judged by a panel of food system professionals and advocates, and awards are given out in three categories: taste, teamwork, and use of local ingredients. Teams practice for months to hone their recipes, and their dedication and skill is evident during the spring competition.
Program History
April 11, 2008 marked the launch of the very first Jr Iron Chef VT event. Together with Burlington School Food Project, Vermont FEED collaboratively created this first-of-its-kind youth program to help kids experience the power of food and recognize their potential as food system changemakers.
In 2021, Vermont Afterschool took on overall management and hosting of the competition. The organization’s deep connections to schools and commitment to youth engagement will help Jr Iron Chef VT to grow and reach even more students. Although we no longer manage the program, Vermont FEED supports the great tradition of Jr. Iron Chef VT and the meaning it brings to so many.
Visit the Jr Iron Chef VT Press Archive to Learn More
Photos by Sarah Webb and Vera Chang.