This just in from our friends at the New York Coalition for Healthy School Food:

Chefs, food aficionados, school food service directors and cooks, moms and dads, culinary students, and anyone else who enjoys cooking is invited to submit recipes for possible addition to NYC school menus. The recipe contest is part of Project Cool School Food, to develop and test plant-based main dish recipes in schools.

The program is a partnership between New York Coalition for Healthy School Food and the New York City Office of School Food, along with the James Beard Foundation, Candle Cafe and Candle 79 Restaurants. We are heading into at least 15, and possibly up to 30 additional schools in all five boroughs with our pilot program - Project Cool School Food.

Cool School Food is healthy, delicious, and it helps to keep our planet "Cool". Plant-based main dishes contain no cholesterol, are low in saturated fat, and are high in fiber and phyto-nutrients.

The partnership has put out a call for plant-based main dish recipes. They are seeking recipes through Friday, January 15th, and will hold judging semi-finals at the Food and Finance High School in NYC and finals at the Beard House in late January, with famous chefs and NYC school children choosing their favorites. Student chefs from the Food and Finance High School will be preparing the dishes for the judging.

Recipes will be judged in two categories:
1. Culinary High School Students
2. Chefs and others

Winners will receive a choice of dinner at Candle 79 Restaurant or membership in the James Beard Foundation or dinner at the Beard House.

Deadline for submission of recipes is Friday, January 15th by email. Be sure to read the rules of the contest to make sure your recipe meets the required guidelines. They look forward to receiving your recipes!

For more information please contact Amie Hamlin, Executive Director, New York Coalition for Healthy School Food at 607-272-1154.

To enter the contest, visit the the Healthy School Lunches web site and click in the "What's Happening" box for all the details. It is important to follow the guidelines exactly in order for recipes to qualify, go to: New York Coalition for Healthy School Foods

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