First Ever Food Challenge Camp was a Success!

The Southwest 4-H Food Challenge Camp was held Saturday, September 24 and Sunday, September 25 at the Southwest Virginia 4-H Educational Center in Abingdon. The program, designed by Interim Program Director Abbigail Moore and a team of Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) professionals from across the region, featured opportunities for youth to gain knowledge and skills to be successful in food challenge competitions while exploring healthy eating habits.

Participants learned knife skills and food presentation from The Original Burger Bar chef Joe Deel, and played cooking games where youth created dishes using a surprise key ingredient. The weekend culminated with a Food Challenge Contest, for which youth must utilize all of the information covered like food safety and “MyPlate.”

This program was made possible by sponsorships from Food City and the Virginia Beef Council - providing fresh ingredients for learning activities, and for the youth to use in preparing their own meals throughout the weekend!

A special thank you to the many VCE partners who supported this program’s success.