Central IL students cook up competition at Regional 4-H Food Challenge

Simmy Wood
·3 min read

URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — Teams from five Central Illinois high schools faced off in last week’s Regional 4-H Food Challenge.

The competition took place on Friday at the University of Illinois. The 4-H Food Challenge aims to promote teamwork, enhance public speaking skills, and bring knowledge of proper food safety — with the added fun of competition. These are all necessary ingredients for a career in the food industry.

Champaign restaurants compete in the Vegan Chef Challenge

Teams from Clinton, Iroquois West, Milford, Paxton-Buckley-Loda, and Rantoul High Schools won their competitions, propelling them into the 4-H Regional Food Challenge. The Challenge provides interactive classroom lessons that allow students to improve their culinary skills through cooking challenges.

(From left to right) HaleyJo O’Neill, Lily Anderson and Theresa Domingo from Paxton-Buckley-Loda High School prepare their dish at the 4-H Regional Food Challenge on April 12, 2024. Photo courtesy of Illinois Extension.
(From left to right) HaleyJo O’Neill, Lily Anderson and Theresa Domingo from Paxton-Buckley-Loda High School prepare their dish at the 4-H Regional Food Challenge on April 12, 2024. Photo courtesy of Illinois Extension.

“These kinds of hands-on educational approaches encourage youth to learn by doing, reflecting, and then applying their skills and knowledge,” 4-H Youth Development Educator Mynda Tracy said. “This is exactly what the 4-H Food Challenge accomplishes, and it’s why it’s such a valuable program.”

At the competition, a panel judges asked the teams to present dishes featuring all five food groups with three ingredients from the following: honey, apple cider vinegar, and soy. The students were then given only five minutes to plan and 45 minutes to cook.

Judges included Illinois Extension Community Development Specialist Zach Kennedy, Extension Nutrition and Wellness Educator Rachel Mannen. WCIA 3’s very own meteorologist and chief “foodie” Jacob Dickey also judged the event, known for his Cooking Up a Storm segments and his series, On The Road with Jacob, highlighting local restaurants.

Restaurant Week returns to Effingham though April 21

As the judges evaluated each team’s dish, the students were given tours and presentations on the aquaponics greenhouse and the U of I’s Food Science and Human Nutrition Pilot Plant.

“I was particularly impressed by the teamwork and technical skill displayed by the competing teams. In just 45 minutes, they were able to come together, strategize, and execute a delicious and well-balanced dish,” Mannen said. “It’s inspiring to see the next generation of culinary talent so enthusiastic about food science and healthy eating habits.”

Both Clinton High School and Paxton-Buckley-Loda High School came out on top. Clinton team members included Eric Sutton, Izzy Stephenson, Noah Bass, and Aiden Toohill. Paxton-Buckley-Loda’s team included Lily Anderson, HaleyJo O’Neill, and Theresa Domingo. All these competitors will now move onto the statewide Food Challenge.

(From left to right) Aiden Toohill, Izzy Stephenson, Eric Sutton and Noah Bass from Clinton High School pose with their winning dish at the 4-H Regional Food Challenge on April 12, 2024. Photo courtesy of Illinois Extension.
(From left to right) Aiden Toohill, Izzy Stephenson, Eric Sutton and Noah Bass from Clinton High School pose with their winning dish at the 4-H Regional Food Challenge on April 12, 2024. Photo courtesy of Illinois Extension.
(From left to right) Lily Anderson, HaleyJo O’Neill and Theresa Domingo from Paxton-Buckley-Loda High School pose with their winning dish at the 4-H Regional Food Challenge on April 12, 2024. Photo courtesy of Illinois Extension.
(From left to right) Lily Anderson, HaleyJo O’Neill and Theresa Domingo from Paxton-Buckley-Loda High School pose with their winning dish at the 4-H Regional Food Challenge on April 12, 2024. Photo courtesy of Illinois Extension.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.