Skip to main content
UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension logo
Give      University of Florida
Resources
    Toggle Search Form
    GIVE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
    • HOME
    • ABOUT US
          • Meet The Staff
          • Florida 4-H History
          • Our Mission
          • Florida 4-H Impact
          • Florida 4-H Foundation
    • DONATE
            • Subheading 1
            • Link 1
            • Link 2
            • Link3
            • Link 4
            • Subheading 2
            • Link 5
            • Link 6
            • Link 7
            • Link 8
            • Subheading 3
            • Link 9
            • Link 10
            • Link 11
            • Link 12
            • Subheading 4
            • Link 13
            • Link 14
            • Link 15
            • Link 16
            • Subheading 5
            • Link 17
            • Link 18
            • Link 19
            • Link 20
    • 4-H State Calendar
    • GET INVOLVED
          • Volunteer
          • Find Your Local Office
    • Youth
          • Projects
          • Events
          • Clubs
          • Awards & Recogniton
          • School Enrichment Programs
          • Citizenship and Leadership
          • Science
          • Healthy Living
          • 4-H University
          • Legislature
          • Day At The Capitol
    • Camps
          • 4-H Camp Cherry Lake
          • 4-H Camp Cloverleaf
          • 4-H Camp Timpoochee



    4-H LogoFlorida 4-H

    4-H LogoFlorida 4-H

    Web banner image of youth cooking

    Florida 4-H Food Challenge

    The 4-H Food Challenge is a contest that provides a fun, yet challenging, food-focused learning opportunity for youth ages 8 to 18, (as of September 1st of the current 4-H year).  Youth work in teams of 3-4 youth, of the same age division, to create a dish using a predetermined set of ingredients and cooking utensil/equipment. First, each team plans and prepares one of the randomly assigned dish while being judged on their food safety skills, teamwork, and ability to manage time and resources. Then youth present their finished dish, deliver a five-minute presentation, and answer questions about their dish to a panel of judges.

    HOW do you get involved and prepare for the 4-H Food Challenge?

    Youth taking part in the 4-H Food Challenge must prepare for the Food Challenge contest by working a team of 3-4 peers and caring adults who serve as Team Captains. Team Captains will work with youth through a series of hands-on educational sessions related to food and equipment safety, food preparation, nutrition, budgeting, serving size, visual appeal, oral presentations, teamwork and more!

    Contact your local UF/IFAS Extension office to see if there is an active Food Challenge group that you can join. If not, work with your 4-H or FCS Extension Agent(s) to identify two caring adults who could fill this role. 

    FLORIDA 4-H FOOD CHALLENGE GUIDES

    • Youth Guide
    • Team Captain Guide
    • Food Challenge Hosting Guide

    FOOD CHALLENGE RESOURCES

    • FightBac-Fight Foodborne Bacteria Brochure
    • Food and Kitchen Safety Fact Sheet
    • Know Your Nutrients
    • MyPlate Mini Poster
    • UF/IFAS Proper Handwashing


    SUPPORT
    We invite organizations and individuals to partner with us for the Florida 4-H Food Challenge program, including presenting level sponsorship. Contact Caylin Hilton at grow4H@ifas.ufl.edu for more information.

    CLICKHERE FOR SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITES

    Food challenge graphic
    University of Florida Logo
    Contact

    Feedback
    UF/IFAS Extension - Florida 4-H
    Building 1603, 2140 NE Waldo Rd, Room 107, Gainesville 3261
    (352) 846-4444

    Land Grant Mission
    • Teaching
    • Research
    • Extension
    Information
    • Ask IFAS (EDIS)
    • UF/IFAS Experts
    • UF/IFAS Blogs
    • UF/IFAS Bookstore
    Policy
    • Accessible UF
    • EEO Statement
    • IFAS Web Policy
    • SSN & UF Privacy
    • Analytics (Google Privacy)

    © 2025 University of Florida, IFAS Last Modified:Mon, 13 May 2024 10:55:20 EDT