Michel Nischan Judges Healthy Lunchtime Challenge & Attends State Dinner @ The White House

Chef Michel Nischan, Wholesome Wave CEO and Founder, joined forces with First Lady Michelle Obama, WGBH, the U.S. Department of Education, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a judge in the fourth annual Healthy Lunchtime Challenge early this year.

The aim of the lunchtime challenge is to promote culinary education and healthy eating among youth across the country. On July 9 and 10th, Chef Nischan participated in a day-long welcome event for the 2015 Healthy Lunchtime Challenge winners, demoing some of his favorite, affordable and healthy recipes, and attending the Kids “State Dinner” at the White House.

• “It is our youth that will help to change our food system,” says Michel Nischan. “One in five American children are overweight or obese, many face Type 2 diabetes, and millions lack affordable access to healthy foods. We need to inspire this next generation to immerse themselves in cooking by celebrating the joy of good food, and providing the knowledge to do so in a healthful, sustainable way. It was my honor to serve as a judge, to spend a day with the winners, and attend the Kids’ State Dinner. I am inspired by this incredible group of children and look forward to seeing the great change they will make.”

Earlier this year, Nischan traveled to Washington D.C. to serve as a judge for this initiative. With nearly one thousand entries submitted, Nischan said the “decision to select the top 55 recipes was extremely difficult. There was so much creativity, energy, and enthusiasm shown by all of the children.” The winners represent youth from all states, four territories and Washington, D.C. The winning recipes were selected based on the criteria of healthfulness, taste, originality, affordability, and following USDA’s MyPlate recommendations. Winning dishes ranged from Chinese Potstickers and Tuscan Salad to Vegan Superhero Soup to Honey Baked Salmon with Spinach Quinoa, Pineapple Salsa and Cucumber Dill-Dipping Sauce. A full list of winners and recipes can be found online atpbs.org/lunchtimechallenge.