On January 8, 2024, from 16:00 to 17:00, Polk County 4-H will conduct an interest meeting at the Polk County Extension Office in Columbus, North Carolina. This gathering invites young individuals aged 8 to 18 to learn about the Dinah Gore Healthy Food Challenge, an engaging competition where teams of 4-H members create a healthy dish using a surprise ingredient and present it to judges within a strict timeframe of 40 minutes.
Jessica Jackson, Polk County 4-H Extension Agent, described the challenge as one of the organization’s most thrilling team competitions, emphasizing its focus on nutrition, creativity, and leadership under pressure. “We’re proud to send a team for the first time last year in the 8–10 age division, where the Polk County Forks and Flames earned first place at the regional competition,” she stated.
Throughout the challenge, participants collaborate to devise a healthy meal that incorporates a mystery ingredient, while also articulating its nutritional benefits to the judges. “Their success highlights the power of 4-H’s hands-on approach, demonstrating how learning by doing enables young people to develop as leaders and teammates,” Jackson added.
Commitment and Selection Process
Participants should anticipate a significant time commitment from January through March, with weekly practice sessions that may extend into May based on their performance in regional competitions. A total of four students will be selected per age group for the event, and those who apply beyond this limit may not be accepted.
The Polk County Extension Office is located at 79 Carmel Ln., Columbus. Families with inquiries regarding the event are encouraged to reach out to Jessica Jackson at 828-894-8218 or via email at [email protected].
