URBANA, Ill. — Illinois youth put their culinary creativity and teamwork to the test during the newly renamed Illinois 4-H Dish Dash, held May 7 at Bevier Hall on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus. The event had had 20 teams compete across two different sessions, with a total of 56 youth in middle and high school.
Formerly known as the State Food Challenge, the Illinois 4-H Dish Dash brought together middle and high school youth in teams of two to three to prepare a complete dish under pressure. The teams were tasked with creating a one-serving meal for the judges that incorporated all 5 food groups, as well as three mystery ingredients: carrots, white beans, and their choice of vinegar which was donated by Grovestone in Champaign.
The fast-paced event challenged participants to apply knowledge of cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and nutrition while also building essential life skills such as teamwork, planning, problem-solving, and public speaking. Once cooking concluded, teams presented their dishes to judges, explaining their process and decisions.
“This event gives young people a chance to step into a real-world scenario where they have to think quickly, collaborate, and adapt,” said Natalie Bradley, University of Illinois Extension 4-H healthy living specialist. “They’re building confidence in the kitchen while also developing communication and critical thinking skills they’ll use far beyond this experience.”
The free competition was open to youth in grades 6 through 12, with no prior 4-H or Food Challenge experience required. Held from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the event also included opportunities for participants to explore campus culinary and hospitality spaces and engage in a food-related STEM activity.
New this year, all ingredients and cooking equipment were provided, creating an even more accessible and equitable experience for participants across the state.
Morning Session Winners included:
Overall winning team was The Spice Squad: Lottie Leonard, Josi Rupp, and Vivi Rupp from McClean County. This group also took home the winning title in the 2025 competition.
Most creative dish: The Casey Cookers: Greyson Hall, Kate Hall, and Jonas Solorio from Clark County
Best team spirit: The C.A.V.E.: Abby Boyd, Gabe Faith, and Madisyn Wischmeyer from St. Clair County
Best presentation: Batter Up: Lucy Kapasouris, Emery Miller, and Brady Rivas from DuPage, Shelby, and Coles County
Afternoon Session Winners included:
Overall winning team was The Whisk Takers: Ellie Jenkins, Evie Jenkins, and Lucy Kramer from McClean County
Most creative dish: The Rich Township Raptors: DaeJohn Chambers, Nicole Dunord, and Brandi Johnson from Cook County
Best team spirit: The Stir Crazies: Aubrie Green, William Hoheisel, and Sierra Whitecotton from McClean County
Best presentation: The Keys of Saint Martha: Julia Berger, Gwen Parker, and Ellie Tamosaitis from DuPage and Cook County
“Dish Dash creates an environment where youth can take risks, be creative, and learn from the experience in real time,” said Bradley. “They walk away not just with new cooking skills, but with a deeper understanding of teamwork, adaptability, and how to bring an idea to life under pressure.”
This event was made possible by the sponsorship of Grovestone, John Boos & Co., Tyson, Neumiller Farms, Inc., Fresh Baby, University of Illinois Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, and the Illinois 4-H Foundation.
Special thanks to our volunteer judges: Loui Liagridonis, Grovestone; Joel Burden, Lazy Daisy Diner and Café; Ian Nutting, The Space; and Leah Bodine, Blue Dragonfly Catering.
About Illinois 4-H:
Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension, administered through the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. Through hands-on learning and life-changing experiences, Illinois 4-H prepares youth to be Beyond Ready — ready for college, career, military service, entrepreneurship, and more. Young people build confidence, leadership, and resilience as they explore interests from agriculture to computer science. Independent research and national surveys confirm the powerful outcomes of 4-H: participants are 40% more likely to pursue a college degree, twice as likely to obtain technical training, and two times more likely to serve in the military. With a legacy of cultivating leaders, Illinois 4-H continues to grow the next generation who are equipped to thrive in life and work today and beyond.
For Further Information Contact:
Source: Natalie Bradley, 4-H Youth Development Specialist
Writer: Carissa Nelson, Media Communications Manager, carissa7@illinois.edu
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 500 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.