Student chefs compete for new dish on school lunch menu
By Leah Phillips
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GREENVILLE, South Carolina (WYFF) — Four student chefs from Greenville County schools competed in the annual “Healthy Lunchtime Throwdown” on Sunday for the opportunity to have their dish added to the school lunch menu.
The Euphoria Greenville festival celebrated its 20-year anniversary this year, and almost half of that time has included the competition, which promotes culinary education throughout our local schools.
“I want (students) to have the best experience when it comes to Greenville County schools,” said Chef Dayna Lee, owner of Comal864, a local Greenville restaurant.
“I care about the food that our kids are consuming. I care about the way they think about food. I care about the way they think about their community.”
Each year, students partner with seasoned industry professionals, like Lee, to cook their dishes. The professionals let the students take charge, allowing them to call the shots as the 50-minute timer counts down.
When asked about her experience with her student partner, Chef Elijah, Lee stated, “He knew exactly what he needed to me do, made that happen, and just, it’s cool to see people care. It’s cool to see younger — our younger generations — care.”
Matt Critell, principal of Reedy Laurel Elementary, helped host the competition.
He says Greenville County serves over 80,000 student meals per day, between breakfast, lunch, and after-school snacks.
“It’s not just putting good food in front of them but putting good food in front of them in an efficient and highly effective manner,” said Critell.
Greenville County School students can expect to see the winning dish on their lunch menus as soon as this October.
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