Food and Nutrition

The 4-H Food and Nutrition project helps participants learn to make healthy food choices, improve energy and alertness, reduce disease and illness risks, and gain knowledge of nutrients.  Major learning experiences are centered around nutrition, menu planning, food buying, preparation and food safety, careers and cultural influences.

4-H Food Show

Qualifying participants in the County 4-H Food Show can advance to the District 4-H Food Show, which is part of District Round Up in May. Senior members, 14 and older are then eligible to advance to State competition depending on their placing at District.

Food Show Flyer

Entry Forms/Paperwork for the Food Show Competition:

If you are entering the County Food Show, the paperwork you need to complete is the same paperwork as the District Show. If you can save it to your computer, please do so – this will make it easier for you if you advance to the District Show.  3 complete sets are due to the 4-H office.  *Remember that Eligibility Forms are due at Event Check In on the day of the event, unless otherwise noted.  It is the MEMBER’S responsibility to obtain an eligibility form, get it signed and turn it in on time.

County Food Show:

  • March 26, 2013.  Entry forms used are the District forms, found under ‘Events and Contests’ and ‘Roundup’ on the District 9 website.
  • Call in deadline to participate in County show: March 5, 2013
  • Entry forms/Paperwork due (emailed to Caroline Cruz at cmcruz@ag.tamu.edu): March 19

District Food Show:

State Food Show:

  • TBD 2013 entry forms are found on the state website
  • Register on 4-H Connect by: TBA
  • Entry forms/Paperwork due at the Extension Office by: TBA
  • 2013 State Food Show Guidelines

4-H Food Challenge

The 4-H Food Challenge is a contest that allows participants to demonstrate their culinary knowledge and skills. From a set of predetermined ingredients provided, teams of 3 to 5 4-H members must develop a recipe and prepare the dish within 40 minutes. Teams then make a presentation to a judging panel, explaining the preparation steps, serving size, food safety concerns, nutrition value and cost of the dish.

Food Challenge Team Workshops

It’s like “Iron Chef” on TV, but it’s for 4-H’ers!  Teams or individuals planning to enter the District Contest should plan to attend all 3 sessions.  Please sign up your team/members or as an individual if you are still looking for a team—Sign up by February 20. All sessions held at the Extension office. If you have questions please call the office or e-mail Caroline at cmcruz@ag.tamu.edu

  • Saturday, March 2, 2013 from 9 am—12 pm  
  • Thursday, March 21, 2013 from 6:30—8:30 pm
  • Saturday, April 13, 2013 from 9 am—12 pm

County Food Challenge – February 9, 2013

  • Call in deadline to participate in County show: January 30, 2013
  • Eligibility Forms are due at check-in

District Food Challenge-TBA, 2013

State Food Challenge – TBA, 2013

County Food and Nutrition Committee
The County Food and Nutrition Committee is made of adult volunteers, project leaders and youth members. This committee is responsible for assisting in planning county wide efforts including workshops, training and other support. The committee also provides leadership for the County Food Show & Food Challenge including theme, decorating, judges’ gifts, etc. Please contact the office if you are interested in serving on this committee.

Community Service and Leadership
Check online – the state web site usually puts new service project information up in Sept/Oct. Be creative! Educating others about health and nutrition is a great outreach. Try to organize something with your school, club, church or other groups.

4-H Food & Nutrition Project Resources:
4-H Food Nutrition Resource Guide
4-H Food Project brochure
Foods and Nutrition Majors and Careers

Food Safety Resources
Food Safety – Fight Bac Website
FightBac_1

Food Safety – Fight Back Brochure
FightBac

Cooking Food Safely
cooking-food-safety-handout

State Food Show Guidelines & Info
State Food Show web site Especially important to Senior 4-H’ers