Does your student love to cook or enjoy getting creative in the kitchen? This is their moment! Florida Future Chef is a statewide culinary competition that invites Florida students ages 8-12 to showcase their creativity using nutritious ingredients grown right here in Florida, for a chance to compete at a live finale event and win up to $5,000 in a 529 Florida Prepaid Savings Plan. Students are challenged to design a school meal that brings together at least three of the five key components: fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy or dairy alternatives. Along the way, they’ll build confidence, practice real-world skills, and explore how food connects to fuel for your body, agriculture, and creativity. Entries are now open. All submissions must be completed online by Monday, July 13, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET. Review official rules at https://floridafuturechef.com/