The Dinah Gore Healthy Food Challenge is an exciting contest offered by NC 4-H. The event challenges a team of three to four 4-H members to create a dish that will serve three people. Teams will be assigned a predetermined mystery ingredient and food category (Appetizer, Main Dish, Side Dish or Dessert or protein, grain, fruits & vegetables or dairy) and items from a locally sourced pantry. Once the ingredient is revealed, teams have 40 minutes to prepare a dish highlighting that ingredient, clean up their kitchen space and prepare a presentation for the judges. Teams then present their dish (name, ingredients, cooking techniques used etc), health benefits and the nutritional value of the dish to a panel of judges.

Currituck County 4-H is hosting an interest meeting at 5:30pm Monday, December 8, 2025 for youth ages 8 to 18 interested in participating in the contests. This meeting will consist of a program overview and orientation, including a “mock” food challenge contest and a review of the schedule, timeline and contest and team expectations. The follow-on practice sessions will allow participating youth to improve food preparation skills, practice safe food handling, recognize the importance of local seasonal foods and how to make wise food choices, practice teamwork and critical thinking skills, and to demonstrate effective communications skills.

Team practice sessions will be held on Monday or Tuesday evening from 5-8pm from January 5, 2026-March 3, 2026.

The East Region Dinah Gore 4-H Healthy Food Challenge will be held in Nash County on Saturday, March 7, 2026. We will develop a schedule of practice sessions for those teams that qualify for the State Competition after this event.

If your child is interested in participating in this program but cannot attend the orientation session, please register them and then contact Sherry Fischlschweiger (contact information below) and arrangements will be made.

All sessions will take place at N.C. Cooperative Extension, Currituck County Center at 120 Community Way in Barco. There is no charge for this program however registration is required and all participants must be enrolled in 4-H (4honline.com). To register for the the orientation and overview session visit: DGFoodChallenge2026.eventbrite.com

For more information or for accommodations for persons with disabilities please contact Sherry Fischlschweiger at 252-232-2262 or email slfischl@ncsu.edu no later than five business days before the event.