Ponce City Market to host kids cooking competition in June

The contest, open to rising fifth- through seventh-graders (and still has spots available) will let kids show off their creativity and skills by crafting the most innovative and perfect meal using a basket of mystery ingredients and farmers market vegetables.

They will also learn knife skills, food safety basics and lessons about

nutrition.

Studies have shown that children who cook tend to make healthier food

choices, and that’s the goal of cooking programs like this contest, said

Kristen Sumpter, the contest organizer and UGA Extension Family and 

Consumer Sciences agent for Fulton County.

“The Fulton Fresh Kids’ Cooking Competition gives kids a chance to think

outside the box when creating a meal,” Sumpter said in a press release. “Once folks see that fruits and vegetables aren't just healthy, but also inspire fun and creative

ideas, they’ll really start to enjoy eating produce, one plate at a time. The goal of Fulton Fresh is to encourage families to eat more local fruits and vegetables, and this competition does just that.”

The contest is open to everyone, but registration is capped at 24 participants. Students will compete in teams of four. They can register as a group or find teammates at the competition. A registration fee of $25 per child will cover the cost of supplies, a T-shirt and instruction. For more information and to register, visit www.tinyurl.com/FultonFreshKidsCooking.

The Fulton Fresh Kids' Cooking Contest is based loosely on the Georgia 4- H Food Challenge, a statewide cooking and nutrition education program and contest sponsored annually by Georgia 4-H.

For more information about the kid- and family-friendly cooking demonstrations being held across the county this summer, visit  www.facebook.com/UGAExtensionFultonCounty.

Everyone competing gets a shirt and certificate and Fulton fresh tote bags will be given to top 3 teams. First place winner will likely get a small, additional prize.