On Friday, March 24, 2023, the Future Chefs competition returned after three years for an exciting elementary student competition sponsored by Sodexo. This year’s theme was “Complete the plate with your favorite veggie or fruit side dish”.

Out of 107 entries submitted, nine fourth- and fifth-grade elementary students from across the district competed in this year’s Future Chefs competition at McNary High School, where students competed head-to-head using their original recipes from scratch.

Students were assisted by McNary culinary students to help practice kitchen safety and cleanliness.

  • Grand prize winner Aidan and his strawberry arugula salad

Aidan Pollnow, 4th grade Kalapuya Elementary student’s  strawberry arugula salad  recipe took the grand prize. He took home a cookware set, Fitbit and a mixing bowl set. Aiden’s recipe will be submitted to the Region Future Chef competition.

  • A masked student holds his tray of food
  • Two students smiles as they display their food
  • Judges talk to students about their food
  • A student uses a mortar and pestle
  • A white Future Chefs jacket

All participants took home mixing bowl sets, spatulas and measuring spoons as well as a special recipe book with all the recipes prepared during the competition.