The second annual Chopped: 4-H Cooking Challenge was held on March 15 where nearly 70 youth gained experience in roles such as event planner, chef, emcee, event judge, decorator, market manager, and team member. Organized by the 4-H Youth Leadership Group, Chopped provided a fun, challenging, food-focused team contest and learning opportunity for youth ages 5 to 18. Each team of 3-7 youth was given $100 of Clover Cash to purchase food and recipe cards. Team tasks included selecting a team name, deciding what to purchase within their budget, and determining how to make the food. Youth developed and practiced life skills such as teamwork, decision making, communication, creativity, planning, and food preparation—all while making tacos, nachos, pizzas, and slushies for the challenge.
Here’s what Norrie, a member of the Youth Leadership Group, had to say about Chopped 2026: “Chopped 2026 was super fun! There were two sessions, one for 5K-5th grade and another for 6th-13th grade. The younger session made tacos or nachos and the older session made mini pizzas. The two winning teams came home with a 4-H hot pad/oven mitt. Each team had $100 of Clover Cash to purchase food and recipe cards. Teams had to work together to decide what to purchase, how to make the item and decide on a team name. The younger group had 45 min to make their food item and slushie whereas the older group had one hour. Overall, it was super fun and I recommend signing up for next year.”