2025 Jr Iron Chef VT Competition

Jr Iron Chef VT is a career exploration program and competition that teaches communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills by empowering Vermont youth to create locally sourced meals that promote Vermont’s farm to school efforts.

Learn more about the event, find program guidelines, and register

In 2023, they celebrated their 15th year and the more than 5,000 Vermont middle and high school students who have participated in this groundbreaking culinary program. Not only have students learned how to create and prepare recipes from scratch, they’ve also learned about local agriculture and nutrition while establishing relationships with peers, chefs, mentors, and local farmers. They’ve developed confidence and learned teamwork, leadership, and communication skills. Perhaps the best thing of all about Jr. Iron Chef VT is how it unifies people. Regardless of other differences, these Vermont youth stand side-by-side for one day in March and participate in an orchestrated frenzy – dicing, grating, and sautéing their way to culinary fame.

School food change takes many players—students, food service, parents, and the community. Jr Iron Chef VT involves all of these players to create a vibrant, fun, and wildly popular event!

Jr Iron Chef VT is managed by Vermont Afterschool. Questions? Please reach out to program coordinator Kerrie Mathes at [email protected].