2025 Jr Iron Chef VT Competition
Date: Saturday, March 29, 2025 - 8:00am
Vermont Afterschool is the lead organizer of Jr Iron Chef VT. Learn more about the 2024 registration process and competition.
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.
Important dates:
- 11-14-24: Early Bird registration opens ($140/team)
- 12-19-24: Regular registration opens, early bird closes
- 02-14-25: Regular registration closes ($160/team)
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.
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. Read more about the program.