We know that to win the future, we have to ensure that our kids have access to nutritious meals and healthy lifestyles.

Last September, First Lady Michelle Obama launched the Recipes for Healthy Kids competition to bring together chefs, school nutrition professionals, students and parents who work in teams to develop nutritious, delicious, kid-approved recipes for use in schools.

Today we are excited to announce the semi-finalists in that competition.  Grueling hours over the stove and dicing countless vegetables brought out the best our teams have to offer. With a chance to compete in a national cook-off and $12,000 in prizes on the line – the competition is intense. These recipes are great because they are creative, low-cost, and meet nutritional guidelines. The best part is that they can be easily prepared at schools across the nation.

Teams at schools across the country submitted 340 recipes in three categories: whole grains, dry beans and peas, and dark green and orange vegetables. From that outpouring of culinary creativity, 15 recipes were recently chosen to advance toward a national cook-off set for this summer.

And now, USDA wants to hear what you think. The 15 recipes have been posted on the Recipes for Healthy Kids website for voting for the Popular Choice award, which will close May 15.

In my role as Agriculture Secretary, I get the opportunity to visit our nation’s schools on a regular basis, which is one reason why I find this innovative competition so exciting. Recipes for Healthy Kids draws on America’s talents  including kids  to work together toward the goal we all share of providing our children the nutrition they need to grow, learn and thrive. Chefs are providing culinary expertise, school nutrition professionals are sharing insight as to what can be accomplished in a school setting, and kids and parents are making sure that students will choose these nutritious items in school and beyond.

To find out more about Recipes for Healthy Kids or to cast your vote for the recipe you like best, visit our website at: www.recipesforkidschallenge.com