Graphic featuring the “Future Chefs National Challenge” logo, styled around a “Passport to Flavor” theme with travel-inspired design elements.

Future Chefs Challenge 2026: Passport to Flavor!

This year’s Future Chefs National Challenge invited young chefs to create dishes inspired by countries and cultures from around the world. The possibilities were endless — and our students delivered. From local school kitchens to the national stage, meet the finalists competing for the 2026 champion title.

Meet the finalists

Our 2026 National Finalists

Adult and child at school event holding a wrapped gift basket, with onlookers in a classroom setting.

Archer Alvarez

Grade 3 
Paradise Elementary 
Paradise Education Center, AZ 

Recipe: Mexican Pizza Bites

Child in chef hat and apron standing at table with plated dishes at a school cooking event.

Edwin Lopez

Grade 3 
Coventry Elementary 
Crystal Lake School District 47, IL   

Recipe: Tio Tacos 

Child in chef hat and uniform holding a plated dish in a kitchen or cafeteria setting.

Roselyn Sánchez

Grade 5 
Pine Intermediate 
North Olmstead City Schools, OH 

Recipe: Mediterranean Burrito Blast

Child at food fair table giving thumbs up behind trays of Thai noodles, with recipe sign and classmates.

Trevor Morris

Grade 5 
Hillcrest Elementary 
Waco Independent School District, TX  
 
Recipe: Chef T's Thai Noodles

Child chef in white jacket and tall hat standing behind tray of prepared dishes on a table.

Vivienne Greer

Grade 4 
St. Michael’s Elementary 
Talbot County Schools, MD 

Recipe: Thai Mango Chicken with Coconut Rice 

Future Chefs: A Place to Belong 

Long-standing programs like Future Chefs do more than spark creativity in the kitchen — they help ensure every student feels seen, valued and included. Discover how we can partner with you to foster a learning environment where inclusion and belonging empower students to thrive. 

Learn more