The Hawai‘i Agricultural Foundation is proud to launch the Localicious® School Kitchen Cook-off — a statewide competition celebrating the creativity and dedication of Hawai‘i’s school cafeteria professionals. The Contest is created in collaboration with the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education and with sponsor support from Hawai‘i Gas, Hawai‘i Farm Bureau, and Armstrong Produce / FreshPoint Hawaiʻi.

This year, Hawaiʻi DOE and public charter school cafeteria staff across the islands were invited to enter and create an original, student-friendly dish featuring local ground beef showcasing the flavors of Hawaiʻi while supporting the local agricultural community.

Entries are now closed. Check back next month for exciting details about our finalists and the live cook-off taking place at the annual Hawai‘i State Farm Fair July 11-12, 2026.

About the Contest

More than a competition, the contest is an opportunity to highlight the incredible work happening in our kitchens, and inspire meals that nourish our keiki and connect them to local agriculture.

Each team will consist of two kitchen professionals from the same school.  Qualifying teams will compete live at the 2026 Hawaiʻi State Farm Fair for a chance to win the grand prize, which includes:

· $2,000 cash prize — $1,000 for each team member

· A culinary experience at the Culinary Institute of America at Copia in Napa, CA

· A tour of the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone in St. Helena, CA

· The winning dish featured on the HIDOE 2027–2028 school lunch menu

· A perpetual trophy recognizing the winning school

All qualifying teams will be invited to a tour and lunch at the Culinary Institute of the Pacific with Chef Roy Yamaguchi.