Memphis, Tenn.–4-H teams from four states participated in the 4-H Chopped Food Competition March 2 in conjunction with the 72nd annual Mid-South Farm & Gin Show in Memphis. The teams from Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee competed in the food challenge which tested their skill to adapt ingredients into healthy meals.
Carroll County 4-Hers from Bruceton-Hollow Rock School System, Madison Campbell and Taylor Walters, participated in the challenge.
The teams demonstrated their knowledge and skills related to preparing a healthy meal using items commonly found in a local food pantry. The contest emphasized limiting food waste, food efficiency, and healthiness of a meal.
The teams each received a mystery box of items commonly received from a food pantry and had a specific deadline in which to create the recipe for the judges. Price said that the dishes developed in the high energy competition could easily be adapted by families using the same ingredients.
Madison and Taylor received canned green peas in their mystery box. The girls developed a delicious Spanish style rice dish. After the competition, the girls submitted their recipe for local food pantries to use.
Cash prizes were awarded to the top three teams, and all participants received a certificate of participation.