Maine Farm to School Cook Off Competition held in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Maine (WABI) – Getting college students and enthusiastic about recent meals might be the key ingredient of an annual cooking competitors.

It brings faculties from everywhere in the state collectively.

The Division of Training’s Walter’s Kitchen in Augusta was busy as soon as once more, and this time, it was for the ultimate problem for the Maine Farm to Faculty Prepare dinner Off Competitors.

“It’s thrilling to see the three groups and the truth that the scholars and the adults are working collectively so intently to provide you with a pleasant product and a pleasant presentation.” mentioned Walter Beesley, Maine Division of Training.

Every group is made up of a scholar and a college diet skilled. They work collectively to create the breakfast and lunch recipe for the competitors, to later be offered to a choose.

“The kitchen is the most important classroom within the faculty and each child goes to that class. It’s thrilling to see this all come collectively and that the merchandise are used from Maine farms and Maine farmers,” mentioned Beesley.

The objective of the competitors is to indicate more healthy choices for scholar’s breakfast and lunch packages in faculties utilizing native merchandise. The competitors additionally includes utilizing beets and buckwheat, this yr’s native difficult components.

“Typically on Thursday in class, she would come, and we’d plan all of it out,” mentioned Alan Lamesa, Lewiston scholar prepare dinner.

Lamesa began cooking along with his household when he was a child. He and his cooking associate, Alicia Smith, characterize the McMahon Tigers. Collectively, they received the regional that certified them to compete within the finals.

“I used to be so excited, however I needed to maintain my composure…however I used to be excited,” mentioned Lamesa.

In addition they received the ultimate problem. Smith mentioned she hopes to see extra children within the kitchen.

“I believe the youngsters would benefit from the meals that we cooked in the present day,” mentioned Smith, faculty skilled.

Every recipe from the groups will finally be put collectively in a cookbook to be submitted to the colleges. They’re additionally accessible on the Division of Training web site for anybody to make use of.

“I would really like us all to do not forget that something we attempt, we are able to succeed,” mentioned Lamesa.

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