Some of America’s most creative junior chefs put their talents to the test and whipped up over 1,300 delicious lunchtime recipes as part of the second annual Healthy Lunchtime Challenge. The competition was steep, but a panel of judges selected one winning recipe from each U.S. state and three of the U.S. territories. The winning recipes were chosen based on guidance that supports USDA’s MyPlate to ensure that meals were affordable, original, healthy, and delicious.

On July 9^th, these fifty-four budding chefs will travel with their parents to the White House for the second annual Kids’ “State Dinner.”  The group will join The First Lady for a healthy lunch, featuring a selection of the winning recipes, followed by a visit to the White House kitchen garden.

“Our Kids’ State Dinner is one of my favorite events of the year, and the kid chefs who come from around the country never cease to impress and inspire me with their creativity and ingenuity.  I’m counting down the days until the winners join me at the White House to celebrate these healthy and delicious meals that kids everywhere will love.” - First Lady Michelle Obama.

Winning entries feature wholesome, tasty ingredients including salmon, black beans and ground turkey. Check out all of the winners and featured recipes and watch the behind the scenes preparation for the Kids’ State Dinner. 

LEARN MORE

• See the 2013 Kids' State Dinner Winners
• Read the 2013 Health Lunchtime Challenge announcement
• Find out more about MyPlate