Polk County 4-H is set to host an interest meeting for the Dinah Gore Healthy Food Challenge on January 8 from 16:00 to 17:00 at the Polk County Extension Office in Columbus. This event invites youth aged 8 to 18 to participate in a unique competition where teams create a healthy dish using a surprise ingredient and present it to a panel of judges within a tight timeframe of 40 minutes.
Competition Details and Team Selection
The Dinah Gore Healthy Food Challenge is celebrated as one of 4-H’s most dynamic team competitions, combining elements of nutrition, creativity, and leadership. According to Jessica Jackson, the Polk County 4-H Extension Agent, “The Dinah Gore Healthy Food Challenge is one of 4-H’s most exciting team competitions, blending nutrition, creativity, and leadership under pressure.”
Polk County’s participation in the challenge has already shown promise. Last year, the Polk County team, known as Forks and Flames, achieved first place in the regional competition for the 8–10 age division. This accomplishment underscores the effectiveness of 4-H’s hands-on approach, which fosters growth in leadership and teamwork among young participants.
Participants in the challenge should be prepared for a significant time commitment from January through March. Weekly practice sessions will be held, with additional training potentially extending into May, depending on the team’s performance in the regional competition. A total of four students will be selected from each age group, and only those who meet the selection criteria will be invited to compete.
Meeting Location and Contact Information
The Polk County Extension Office is located at 79 Carmel Lane in Columbus. Families interested in the program or seeking further information are encouraged to reach out to Jessica Jackson at 828-894-8218 or via email at [email protected].
This initiative not only promotes healthy eating habits but also equips young individuals with essential life skills in a supportive and engaging environment. The Dinah Gore Healthy Food Challenge exemplifies 4-H’s commitment to developing future leaders through practical experiences that resonate beyond the kitchen.
