4-H British Columbia (4-H BC) and BC Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation (BCAITC) are pleased to announce the results of the Field to Fork Challenge! From June to September 2020, dozens of British Columbia youth ages 9 to 19 entered the Field to Fork Challenge by submitting BC grown recipes and cooking videos for a chance to win prizes totaling $3,200.

From Hungry Hiker Skillet to Turkey Stuffed Zucchini Boats to Rhubarb Strawberry Pie, Field to Fork Challenge entrants created recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert featuring healthy, locally grown ingredients. The 20 winners were chosen for their excellent recipe choices, use of BC ingredients, evidence of thorough study, food and kitchen safety, and presentation.

Field to Fork Challenge Winners

Juniors

1. Juliet | Langley 2. Jonah | Chilliwack 3. Brooklyn | Baynes Lake 4. Sophie | Saanichton 5. Emma | Vancouver 6. Jacey | Kamloops 7. Emmelia | Vernon 8. Gia | Sooke 9. Jeremy | Barriere 10. Colette | Metchosin

Seniors

1. Reine | Rock Creek 2. Jade | Rock Creek 3. Danae | Victoria 4. Victoria | Port Coquitlam 5. Jacques | Saanichton 6. Mac | Langley 7. Kiya | Vanderhoof 8. Sava |Victoria 9. Lucia | 150 Mile House 10. Tyler | Pinantan Lake

In addition to winning cash prizes, Field to Fork Challenge winners had the opportunity to attend the Field to Fork Virtual Conference on November 7, 2020 to enjoy cooking BC Kale Caesar Salad with Craisins, BC Bacon Penne Alfredo, and BC Apple Blondie alongside BCAITC Celebrity Chef Randle. The young chefs got busy in their home kitchens while Chef Randle provided expert instruction online. Event attendees also learned about apple, cranberry, and pork farming and what it takes to bring these foods from farm to table from agriculture industry representatives. The incredible full-day event also included fun activities like apple tasting, agriculture trivia, and more.

Field to Fork Challenge participants had a chance to touch, taste, smell, and feel locally grown, healthy ingredients and form memorable connections that will last a lifetime. Feedback regarding the conference was great – when asked if they would tell a friend to participate in the future – participants stated, “DO IT!!! It was awesome and fun”, “I would definitely tell them to participate. I would say it was a lot of fun, I learned a lot, gained valuable public speaking skills, learning new cooking skills and got to experiment with BC’s best,” and “I would recommend it, it's a great learning experience and the food we made is delicious”.

“In the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s now more important than ever to educate youth about BC’s amazing agriculture and food story,” said Aleda Welch, 4-H BC Manager. “We were delighted to partner with BCAITC with the support of the BC Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Fisheries to host this fun event to connect youth, agriculture, and cooking.”

Pat Tonn, BCAITC Executive Director, echoed Welch’s thoughts, “The Field to Fork Challenge was an incredible success. It was amazing to see the participants fully engaged, excited to learn, and show off their creativity. The recipes that the Field to Fork Challenge youth submitted not only displayed their talent but also inspired them and others to think, shop, cook, and eat locally!”

Thank you to the additional supporters that helped make the Field to Fork Challenge possible: BC Cranberry Marketing Commission, Davison Orchards, Ocean Spray Canada, Johnston's, Chef Randle, and farmers Travis Hopcott, Madeleine van Roechoudt, and Chad Goertzen.

Click on the image below to download our Field to Fork Challenge recipe book spotlighting 24 homegrown recipes.