4-H’ers across Tennessee can showcase their culinary skills and creativity in 4-H cooking competitions. These events give young people the chance to learn new techniques, practice teamwork, and build confidence in the kitchen. Participants can compete in a fun, friendly environment while exploring their passion for food and nutrition. It’s a great opportunity to learn, grow, and celebrate the joy of cooking.
The Tennessee 4-H Chopped Challenge gives 4-H’ers a fun and exciting way to show off their culinary creativity. Each participant receives a mystery ingredient that becomes the focus of their dish. They can then select additional items from a shared food pantry to complete their recipe. This hands-on competition helps 4-H’ers develop skills in nutrition, food safety, teamwork, and communication while preparing healthy, well-balanced meals.
Next Competition
- March 21, 2026
- Van Buren County, TN
- Grades 9-12
The National 4-H Food Challenge is an engaging competition for grades 9-12 that brings together 4-H’ers from across the country to showcase their culinary knowledge and teamwork. Participants work in teams to create a nutritious, balanced meal using a mystery basket of ingredients while demonstrating proper food safety and preparation skills. Throughout the challenge, they also present their dish to judges, explaining its nutritional value, cost, and connection to MyPlate food groups. This event encourages creativity, builds communication and leadership skills, and helps 4-H’ers develop lifelong healthy eating habits.
- Visit the National Food Challenge website for more details!
4-H members from Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, Missouri, and Louisiana will compete in the Mid-South 4-H Food Pantry Challenge during the Mid-South Farm and Gin Show. Participants will prepare healthy meals using ingredients commonly found in a local food pantry. The contest highlights creativity in the kitchen while focusing on reducing food waste, using ingredients efficiently, and promoting nutritious eating.
- Visit the Mid-South Food Pantry website for more details!
- Next Contest February 28, 2026
- Grades 6-12
The Great American Seafood Cook-Off (GASCO) 4-H Edition gives high school 4-H’ers in grades 9–12 the chance to showcase their culinary talent on a national stage. Teams create their own original seafood recipes that highlight healthy cooking, with each serving containing no more than 750 calories. Each state can send two teams to compete against other 4-H groups from across the country in New Orleans, Louisiana. Hosted by Louisiana State University, this event celebrates nutrition, creativity, and teamwork while promoting the importance of healthy and sustainable seafood choices.
Contests are held on the first Saturday in August of each year.
The Egg Chef Challenge is a national 4-H cooking competition where one 4-H team from each state represents their program. Teams prepare and present an original egg-based dish while showcasing their knowledge of egg nutrition, preparation, and versatility. This event highlights teamwork, creativity, and culinary skill in a fun and educational setting.
