What’s the significance of $1.75? It’s the target food cost of a school lunch. High school teams from around the country compete to put together a meal that is not only good for you, but delicious, original and made from ingredients found in their respective cafeterias. The best of the best in each region advance to the national level in Washington D.C. For the past three years, Orange County teams have placed in the finals.
Students familiar with the competition know it by the name Cooking Up Change. A dozen local high schools will throw down this Thursday at Northgate Gonzalez Market Headquarters in Anaheim for the coveted spot. Tickets to sample team meals and view the awards presentation are on sale at the Kid Healthy website. Come out to support a worthy cause, and possibly some future chefs!
A contributing writer for OC Weekly, Anne Marie freelances for multiple online and print publications, and guest judges for culinary competitions. A Bay Area transplant, she graduated with a degree in Hospitality Management from Cal Poly Pomona. Find her on Instagram as brekkiefan.