Healthy Lunchtime Challenge Winners
Between 2012 and 2016, First Lady Michelle Obama hosted five Kids’ “State Dinners.” Altogether, over 6,000 Healthy Lunchtime Challenge recipe submissions were reviewed, and more than 270 young people and their families were welcomed to the White House.
Below you will find the nutritious and delicious winning recipes from over the years that were created by talented young chefs from each U.S. state, territory and the District of Columbia. You can also check out the complete cookbooks from each year here.
ALABAMA
2016: Lael Jefferson, Green Chicken Wrap and Fruit-tacular Salad
2015: Jay Wolanzyk, Alabama Fancy Fish Tacos
2014: Jane Battle, Veggie Spaghetti with Alabama Gulf Shrimp
2013: Kindall Sewell-Murphy, Kale Broccoli Chicken and Apple Salad
2012: Falcon Wiles, Alabama's Yummy Summer Soup
ALASKA
2016: Denali Schijvens, Wrapped Alaska Denali Style and Spinach Smoothie
2015: Sable Scotton, Deliciousness over Rice
2014: Michael Halpern, Maple-Pecan Salmon Delight
2013: Rowan Bean, Alaskan Ceviche with Mango
2012: Aaron Blust, Alaska Teriyaki Salmon Wrap
AMERICAN SAMOA
2016: Amelie Chen, Breadfruit, Taro, and Garlic Chicken Trio
ARIZONA
2016: Scarlet Summers, Scarlet's Southwest Barack-A-Bowl
2015: Nia Thomas, Oodles of Zoodles with Avocado Pistachio Pesto
2014: Cody Vasquez, Shrimp Tacos with Watermelon Jicama Salad
2013: Alexandra Nickle, Banana's Black Bean Burritos
2012: Haile Thomas, Quinoa, Black Bean, and Corn Salad
ARKANSAS
2016: Lily Radtke, Asian in Arkansas
2015: Aspen Smith, Arkansas Baked Almond Catfish
2014: Hart Irby, Arkansas Meets Asia Catfish Sliders
2013: Emma-Kate Schaefer, Confetti Spring Rolls with Orange-Cilantro Sauce
2012: Trey Sims, Kickin' Chicken Salad
CALIFORNIA
2016: Cannon Meiers, Cannon's California Rolls
2015: Aria Pelaez, California Rainbow Taco with Mic-kale Obama Slaw and Barack-amole
2014: Genene Savall Wedd, Ethiopian Kik Alitcha
2013: Rose Scott, Pork and Tofu Lettuce Cups
2012: Sean Reichbach, Sean's 3-Pepper Soup
COLORADO
2016: Hannah Skalicky, Hannah's Sweet and Savory Chicken and Peaches
2015: Rain Adams, Rain’s Turkey Chili
2014: Kiana Farkash, Grilled Salmon with Farro and Warm Swiss Chard Salad
2013: Nicholas Hornbostel, Sushi Salad
2012: Aidan Gould, Rainbow Salad with Black Beans, Homegrown Mint, and Lemon
CONNECTICUT
2016: Kalaya Moody, Springtime Lunchtime
2015: Hannah Betts, Hannah’s Eggy Potato Scramble
2014: Cecilia Vinas, Quinoa Chicken Burger with Kale and Potato Chips
2013: John Breitfelder, Quinoa "Risotto" with Shrimp and Kale
2012: Betsy DaSilva, Heavenly Lunch Wrap
DELAWARE
2016: Jamal Bin-Yusif, Caribbean Fiesta!
2015: Emilie Monnig, Spinach Power Salad with Mandarin Vinaigrette
2014: Roisin Liew, Chi-Irish Shepherd’s Pie and Get Your Goat Dessert
2013: Braeden Mannering, Tortilla Bowl Deluxe
2012: Jourdanne Latney, Stuffed Tomatoes
FLORIDA
2016: Olivia LaRochelle, Bountiful Florida Fish “BFF” Cakes
2015: Bobby Sena, Caribbean Delight
2014: Gabriel Medina, Fish Cartucho al Gabusho
2013: Nicole Medina, Summer Salmon
2012: Deborah Goncalves, ‘Triple F:’ Fake Fast Food
GEORGIA
2016: Jackson Kelly, Spaghetti Squash and Turkey Bolognese
2015: Corey Jackson Jr., Mango-Cango Chicken
2014: Mira Solomon, Grillin’ Out, Veggie Style
2013: Regan Matthews, Sweet Potato Turkey Sliders
2012: Haley Matthews, Stuffed Zucchini Boat
GUAM
2016: Grayson Giles, Quinoa-Crusted Katsu Curry with Cauliflower Rice
2015: Gracie Giles, Y’obama Yakisoba
2014: Lily Vinch, Mo-Rockin’ Monday Special
HAWAII
2016: Kaira Grace Pan, Poke Me Ke Aloha
2015: Luca Casano, East Meets West! Chinese Pot Stickers and Tuscan Salad with Aloha Sorbet
2014: Grady Garzo, ‘Aina Holoka’I (Feast for a Seafaring Voyage)
2013: Eleanor Cowell, Curried Chicken Salad & Taste of the Tropics Fruit Bowl
2012: Stefani Shimomura-Sakamoto, Scrumptious Salmon Salad Lunch and Strawberryana Smoothie
IDAHO
2016: Jacob Russell, Super Stars and Stripes Salmon Patty
2015: Josie Roll, Scrumptious Veggie Noodles with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce and Chicken
2014: Katie Hebdon, K and T’s Amazing Tortilla Chicken Soup
2013: Adam Wirth, Veggie Barley Salad with Orange Honey Vinaigrette
2012: Elena Guylay, Fiesta Casserole
ILLINOIS
2016: Maggie Smith, West Wing Chicken with Secret Service Noodles
2015: Shreya Patel, Garam Masala Quinoa Burger with Raita
2014: Tess Boghossian, Licoln’s Inaugural Soup
2013: Taddy Pettit, Black Bean Wrap with Jicama - Grilled Corn Salsa
2012: Jonah Schaik, Jonah's Pesto Pasta
INDIANA
2016: Shakthi Ramachandran, Chicken Tikka Pita with Cucumber Raita
2015: Abigail Horne, Little Man Lunch
2014: Sophie McKinney Han, Sophie’s Healthy Coconut Chicken
2013: Lydia Finkbeiner, Sneaky Chili Surprise
2012: Alexander Aylward, Vegetable Quinoa Salad with Chicken
IOWA
2016: Lola Shorney, American Gothic Calzones
2015: Mary McFetridge, Mary’s Garden Farfalle Feast
2014: Anabel Bradley, Over the Rainbow Veggie Pancakes
2013: Corrine VanderGaast, Stone Curry with Brown Rice
2012: Ajani Patton-Imani, Yummy Corn Wraps
KANSAS
2016: Joey Heidari, Lentil Tacos with Cilantro-Avocado Drizzle
2015: Jasmine Dulan, Black Bean Burger withKale Chips and Jasmine’s Freeze Out Smoothie
2014: Jasmy Mavilla, Tangy Veggy Springetty
2013: Olivia Neely, Fun Mini Pizzas with Veggies & Cauliflower Crust
2012: Rori Coyne, Yummy Cabbage Sloppy Joes
KENTUCKY
2016: Will Bingham, One Bag Bluegrass Bake!
2015: Izzy Washburn, Shake It Off with a Turkey Roll
2014: Lucy Fairhead Hickerson, Around the World in One Bite
2013: Regan Strehl, Raisin Bran Muffins
2012: Myka Smith-Jackson, Perfect Curry Chicken Wraps
LOUISIANA
2016: Owen Osborne, Sweet Savory Dip-tastic Louisiana Power Lunch
2015: Samuel Davis, Sam’s Southern Savoring Salmon Supreme (S to the 5th power)
2014: Moira Doran, Muffin Tin Egg White Frittatas
2013: Brynna Robert, Sweet and Spicy Stir Fry
2012: Michael Prados, Fish Tacos
MAINE
2016: Scout Bookham, Quinoa Chickpea Salmon Rolls with Salad
2015: Leo Koch, Vegan Superhero Soup
2014: Sienna Mazone, Mexican Haystack
2013: Noah Koch, Vegan Powerhouse Pesto Pasta
2012: Annalee Carroll, Turkey Dumplings
MARYLAND
2016: Colby Trenor, Maryland Crab Lettuce Cups
2015: Braxton Young, Quinoa Crusted Spinach Tofu Pie
2014: Esther Matheny, Chesapeake Fish Tacos
2013: Emma Scielzo, Chicken Masala Wrap
2012: Samuel Hightower, Sizzling Tofu with Green Onions and Sugar Snap Peas
MASSACHUSETTS
2016: Abby Newman, Fit to Run Boston Marathon Cod-Potato Cake
2015: Aster Toole, Melting Pot Soup
2014: Yonah Kalikow, Quinoa Lentil Burgers with Kale Salad
2013: Shefali Singh, Shefali's Scrumptious Spring Rolls
2012: Rachel Goldsmith-Levitt, Tapenade and Goat Cheese Sandwich”
MICHIGAN
2016: Ethan Yodzevicis, Super Stuffed Squash
2015: Eva Paschke, Fizzle Sizzle Stir Fry
2014: Elena Hirsch, Barack-oli and Mich-room Obama-let
2013: Jacob Hirsch, Picky Eater Pita Pizza Pockets
2012: Avery McNew, Apple Oat Balls
MINNESOTA
2016: Alexandra Steele, Alexandra's Refreshing Watermelon Salad
2015: Ava Nebben, Secret Service Pizza Delight
2014: Sophia Webster, Quinoa and Black Beans
2013: Kaitlyn Kirchner, Garden Stir-Fry
2012: Riley Sorensen, Stuffed Red Peppers and Banana Oat Stacks
MISSISSIPPI
2016: Aniya Madkin, Kickin’ Cauliflower Shrimp and Grits
2015: Bre Donald, Ground Turkey Flower
2014: Devlyn Williams, Quinoa Sweet Potato Boat
2013: Reed Lindsey, Pan Seared Mississippi Catfish on a Bed of River Rice
2012: Linda Martinez, Mississippi Tacos
MISSOURI
2016: Abhijith Jenkins, Tropical Vacation with Catfish and Quinoa
2015: Blake Koehr, Gateway Crescent
2014: Joshua Murphy, Asian Chicken Meatball and Cauliflower Rice Tortilla
2013: Henry Oates, Confetti Peanut Ginger Party Pasta
2012: Kyle Moore, Chicken Spinach Pasta
MONTANA
2016: Brooke DuCharme, Bison in a Field
2015: Colton Kuka, Hungry Brother’s Stew
2014: Chloe Long, “What! You Don’t Like Tofu?” Stir-Fry
2013: Joshua Garrigues, Healthy Vegetable Fried Quinoa
2012: Kayla Wayman, Kayla's Garden Chicken Pizza
NEBRASKA
2016: Lauren Hinrichs, Tasty Veggie Tacos
2015: Grace Brown, Fabulous Fish Tacos
2014: Zienna Peterson, Terrific Turkey Tacos
2013: Bence Brown, Terrific Tuna Casserole
2012: Aaron Beckman, Apple Alien
NEVADA
2016: Skylar McGough, Veggie-Packed Indian Lentils
2015: Jack Newkirk, Eggplant “Obama”san
2014: Grace Keating, Chicken and Grape Salad Lettuce Wraps
2013: Isabella Gross, Chex Chicken and Bellaberry Smoothie
2012: Alexea Wagner, Vegan Sloppy Joes
NEW HAMPSHIRE
2016: Jude VanderHooven, Teeny Zucchini Triangular Panini
2015: Ana Bernazzani, Corn and Turkey Meatball Lentil Soup with Whole-Wheat Pita Chips
2014: Jessica Bakas, Pan-Seared Salmon with Vegetables and Tricolor Salad
2013: Olivia Beauchesne, Liv's Curry Chicken Salad Sandwich
2012: Ella Barrett, Black Bean and Avocado Burrito with Pineapple Salsa
NEW JERSEY
2016: Gianna Malecki, Gianna's Salmon Paradise
2015: Emma Schramm, Crispy-Skin Salmon over Pasta with Garbanzo Bean Sauce
2014: Jacob Cook, Sweet-Patato-Crusted Turkey and Veggie Pizza
2013: Goldie Siegel, Hawaiian Turkey Sliders with Mango-Pineapple Salsa
2012: Tarteel Idais, The Golden Plate
NEW MEXICO
2016: McLean Knight, Green Chili Cheese Roll and Lime Jicama Fries
2015: Hannah Torres, New Mexican Style Layered Tostada with Cauliflower Tortilla
2014: Max Johnson-Jimenez, Southwestern Casera
2013: Louis Teich, Spinach Frittata
2012: Emma Kenney, Baked Chicken Wrap with Nectarine Avocado Salsa
NEW YORK
2016: Danielle Mazlish, Chicken Cheeseball Kabobs on Veggie Spaghetti
2015: Julia Rissberger, Spinach and Apple Salad with Blueberry Vinaigrette and Whole-Grain Cheese Pennies
2014: Michael Lombardi, Mike’s Chicken and Vegetable Dumpling Cups
2013: Peter Murphy, Super Rescue Soup
2012: Samuel Wohabe, Fish Fueled Pepper Rocket with Kale Chips and Quinoa
NORTH CAROLINA
2016: Mena Choi, Korean Lentil Patties
2015: Alexander Tschegg, Curried Chickpeas with Baked Tofu over Cilantro Rice
2014: Rajen Dey, Yummy and Healthy Kati Roll
2013: Vijay Dey, Spring Rolls
2012: Sydney Brown, Sydney's Homerun Meatloaf Burger and Baked Zucchini Fries
NORTH DAKOTA
2016: Stella Halverson, Red Potato Boat with 3 Bean Bison Chili
2015: Carter Cassola, Stuffed Peppers Delite
2014: Tegan Lancaster, Grilled Veggie Brunch
2013: Charli McQuillan, Asian Fajitas
2012: Logan Rosene, Logan's Favorite Turkey Vegetable Soup
NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS
2016: Fanai Staffler, Chicken Kebab Lettuce Wraps
2015: Claire Park, Rota Sweet Potato Salad with Grilled Chicken Breast
2013: Genzo Gonzales, Kangkung Pomegranate Salad
2012: Esther Huh, Pitaya Healthy Salad
OHIO
2016: Wyatt Rosengarten, Chicken Sausage Cauliflower Crust Pizza
2015: Sydney Mazik, S.S. Asparagus Pie
2014: Abigail Cornwell, Sunrise Tuscan Chicken
2013: Anisha Patel, Kickin, Colorful, Bell Peppers stuffed with Quinoa
2012: Logan Kendall, Shredded Veggie Wrap
OKLAHOMA
2016: Maya Jacob, Okie Pride Brown Rice with Chicken and Vegetables
2015: Riley Higgins, M’eggs’ican Quesadillas with Pineapple Dipping Sauce
2014: Ranger Lemaster, Smoky Southwestern Vegetable Dip
2013: Ogden Johnson, Taco De Camaron
2012: Harrison Booker, Power Pesto Pasta
OREGON
2016: Hannah Conte, All Kale Caesar!
2015: Phoebe Garrett, Phoebe’s Phish Tacos with Kale Chips
2014: Grace Wetzler, Healthy Stuffed Rainbow Peppers
2013: Audrey Russell, Salmon Fried Rice
2012: Robert Robinson, Veggie Pizza
PENNSYLVANIA
2016: Ava Terosky, Sunny's Omelette and Bo's Patriotic Parfait
2015: Sydney Tyner, Chicken Taco Tower
2014: Hannah Foley, Seafood Tacos with Lime Coleslaw and Peachy Salsa
2013: Ganesh Selvakumar, Lentil Spinach Soup and Mint Chutney
2012: Evan Clark, Falafel Wrap
PUERTO RICO
2016: Victor Junniel Rivera, Oat! My Tropical Pizza
2015: Felix Gonzalez, Wrap It Up
2014: Karla Gonzalez, Salmon and Salad Island Deluxe
2013: Aliana Arzola-Piñero, Yummy Eggplant Lasagna Rolls
2012: Ariana Lugo, Sushi for Kids
RHODE ISLAND
2016: Pablo Aizenman, Peace in the Middle East Soup and Salad
2015: Clara Aizenman, Mexican-Jewish Barley Pozole
2014: Kinnan Hammond-Dowie, Mediterranean Kebab Wrap with Cilantro Tabbouleh
2013: Samantha Mastrati, Italian Garden Salsa with Crunchy Chicken Tenders
2012: Caroline Cowart, Broccoli and Cheese Egg White Omelet
SOUTH CAROLINA
2016: Kiana White, Carolina Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa
2015: Summer LaPress, Pan-Roasted Grouper with Carolina Gold Rice Salad
2014: Julia Pascoe, Carolina Chicken Chili
2013: Corbin Jackson, Bring it On Brussels Sprout Wrap!
2012: Lauren Kuperman, Fun with Lunch
SOUTH DAKOTA
2016: Josh Weissenberger, Catch of the Day Fish Tacos
2015: Griffin Storm, Storm of Deliciousness BBQ Chicken Soup
2014: Sabrina Swee, Hawaiian Kale Wraps
2013: Owen Kerkvliet, Hidden Veggie Lasagna
2012: Eva Farley, Miss Kitty's Egg Salad Sensation
TENNESSEE
2016: Leya Alani, Awesome Baked Falafel with Mango Salsa
2015: Evie Braude, Farro with a Tennessee Twist
2014: Lily Sahihi, Tennessee Tabbouleh
2013: Makenna Hurd, Makenna's Bodacious Banana Muffins
2012: Logan Guleff, Tuna Schooners
TEXAS
2016: Priya Patel, Tex-Mex Veg-Head Lasagna
2015: Jianna Garcia, Couscous Salad with Chicken, Artichoke, and Lemon Skewers and Tangy Texas Tzatziki
2014: Ariel Derby, Baked Falafel and Tomato Cucumber Salad
2013: Devanshi Udeshi, Slam Dunk Veggie Burger
2012: Michael Lakind, Bunny Bisque and Secret Service Super Salad
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS
2016: Orin Hayes, Healthy Chicken
2015: Jalani Phillips Jr., Hurricane Salmon and Lentil Patties
2014: Ahlissa Pierce, Ahlissa’s Rainbow Caribbean Soup
2013: Sakari Clendinen, Zucchini Pancakes & Passion Fruit Banana Smoothie
2012: Gabriel Reed, Vegetarian Lasagna
UTAH
2016: Daniela Bergantz, American Flag Ravioli in Creamy Garden Sauce
2015: Indiana Coyle, Mix It Up Sushi
2014: Andrew Chardack, New Polish Potatoes
2013: Cecily Asplund, Lucky Lettuce Cups
2012: Lahav Ardi, Lentil Veggie Soup
VERMONT
2016: Miranda Gallagher, Go Local Lunch!
2015: Maya Elliott, Maya’s Delicious Vegetarian Little Lasagnas
2014: Iris Hsiang, Chinese Vegetable Stir-Fry
2013: Colin Hurliman, Champ's Maple BBQ Turkey Burgers
2012: Laura Printon, Backyard Garden Salsa Tortillas
VIRGINIA
2016: Kathryn Duvall, Victory at Yorktown
2015: Simone Spalding, Rainbow Chili
2014: Sophie Haga, Chia Chicken Pitas
2013: Campbell Kielb, Orange Chicken Lettuce Wraps
2012: Madeleine Steppel, Fish Chowder
WASHINGTON
2016: Lukas Anderson, Salish Sea Kedgeree
2015: Simone Harvey, Teriyaki Chicken with Cabbage Salad
2014: Maliha Amarsi, This Fish Has Gone Nuts!
2013: Amber Kelley, Nummy No-Noodle Lasagna
2012: Arla Sutton, Salad Noodle Wraps
WASHINGTON, D.C.
2016: Elena Sotobashi, D.I.Y. Sushi
2015: Timothy Burke, Vegetable Confetti Spring Rolls
2014: Maxwell Wix, Healthy Grains, Squash, Apples, Sausage, and Kale
2013: Ingrid Lamberg, Inga Binga's Salmon Salad
2012: Ilianna Gonzales-Evans, Mexican Delight
WEST VIRGINIA:
2016: Grace Landini, Grace's Supermeal: Cool Couscous and Berry Healthy Dessert
2015: Reagan Blasher, Honey Baked Salmon with Spinach Quinoa, Pineapple Salsa, and Cucumber-Dill Dipping Sauce
2014: Adrianna Nelson, Magnificent Mediterranean Spotlight Peppers
2013: Jessica Wolfe, Spicy Tofu Lettuce Cups
2012: Alexis Nelson, Golden Moroccan Butternut Stew
WISCONSIN
2016: Raya El-Hajjar, Wisconsin Cranberry Chickpea Salad
2015: Anna Ganser, Mediterranean Rockin’ Roasted Vegetables in Cool Cucumber Boats
2014: Sarah Ganser, Amazing African Sweet Potato Stew
2013: Liam Kivirist, Wisconsin Solar Oven-Simmered Chili
2012: Finwe Wiedenhoeft, Barbecue Cheddar Chickpea Burgers
WYOMING
2016: Hannah Andreen, Chicken and Veggie Salad
2015: Dillon Andrews, Indian Tacos
2014: KyAnn James, Stuffed Pumpkin
2013: Breeze Petty, Scrumptious Chili with Zucchini Cornbread
2012: Grace Ratchford, Macaroni Casserole