KENNEWICK, Wash. - Meals at school got a fresh look when Sodexo Quality of Life Services, sponsored their 10th annual future chefs contest in January. Thousands of future chefs from 5 to 12 years old across the nation, were invited to re-imagine their favorite school lunch by creating their very own dish.

The contest was designed to help kids learn about cooking and healthy eating. It also taught them about competition as their recipes would be evaluated during several rounds of judging that measure taste, health value, simplicity and creativity.


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Lexie Jauregui (right)

One local future chef, Lexie Jauregui from Sunset View Elementary School in the Kennewick School District, submitted her nacho recipe and became a nationwide finalist. Lexie said her nacho recipe is one she makes at home with her family.

She was featured as a finalist and through online voting, Lexie won the contest. The fourth-grader earned the top prize with her “Nacho School Lunch” recipe for nachos. “I feel great. I feel excited and my family is excited, too,” Lexie said.

Lexie earned bragging rights as the 2020 Sodexo Future Chefs Challenge. The now nationally acclaimed Nacho School Lunch, will be featured on school lunch menus for the next academic year. She also won a tablet, and Xbox One and an electric scooter.

Lexie said her nacho recipe is one she makes at home with her family.

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