ATHENS — Athens chefs were invited to compete in a little friendly competition this weekend in the Clarke County School District’s School Lunch Challenge.

The National came out on top of Athens Land Trust, The Heirloom and Goodie Two Shoes. Its deluxe chicken burrito was voted the favorite dish among the crowd and the six student judges. The judges represented different elementary schools. Each team had a set of guidelines to follow which included incorporating a protein, a grain and a vegetable.

Grady Newsource reporter Charlette Hall attended the competition.

The chefs had to use equipment and ingredients that were already provided for them by Barrow Elementary School, where the competition took place. Each dish had to be a healthy sample that costs $1.50 to make per serving, along with other USDA National School Lunch Program Guidelines.

The competitors were able to be creative with their dishes despite the constraints on ingredients.

The National will have its burrito featured on the Clarke County School District’s menu starting in the fall.

Take a look at the photo gallery from the event.

Welcome!

The National receives the most votes for the best dish. Chef Emmanuel Stone accepts award for the team’s Deluxe Chicken Burrito. The dish will be featured on CCSD lunch menus next year.

Athens Land Trust accepts their award for their Chickpea Veggie Burger with lettuce, tomato, onion, and zucchini fries.

The winning Deluxe Chicken Burrito dish by The National.

The prize each team received.

Here are the six judges.

The menu of the items that were served and which team prepared which meal.

The judges ballots.

Two items prepared by Goodie Two Shoes.

Two more items prepared by Goodie Two Shoes.

Athens Land Trust’s Veggie Burger.

The history of school lunches.

A list of a few of the sponsors for the event.

One of the slides in the presentation shown before the meals were served.

Athens Land Trust’s ingredients for one of their dishes.