Governor, First Gentleman announce Rhode Island Relish Rhody recipe contest

To encourage kids to choose healthy eating options and highlight Rhode Island's booming food scene and work to eliminate hunger, Governor Gina Raimondo and First Gentleman Andy Moffit announced the Relish Rhody Recipe Contest. The contest asks kids in grades 5-8 to create and submit healthy and affordable food recipes, with an emphasis on locally grown food.

"Rhode Island's vibrant food scene is central to our identity and economy," said Governor Gina M. Raimondo. "As a mom, it's important to me that my kids, and kids all across Rhode Island, recognize the value of eating healthy from a young age. As governor, I'm focused on reducing hunger and growing our local food economy. By encouraging kids to craft healthy, affordable, recipes that highlight our locally grown food, we're creating Rhode Island's next generation of food leaders."

"Food insecurity affects about one in four families with kids in Rhode Island," said Moffit. "This contest is a great way to promote our state's thriving food sector while raising awareness about hunger issues. Healthy kids lead to healthy communities and a stronger economy."

The Relish Rhody Recipe Contest asks students to create recipes (entrée or dessert or both) that utilize at least one Rhode Island farm or fishery product. Finalists will be announced at the end of May, and then a panel of esteemed judges will pick a winning recipe in each category at a celebratory event on June 6. The top recipes will be published in a recipe booklet to be made available for download on the governor's website and Relish Rhody.

Participants can apply by filling out a Google form or they can send recipes to Sue AnderBois, Rhode Island Director of Food Strategy, 235 Promenade Street, Suite 425, Providence, RI 02906 or email Sue.AnderBois@governor.ri.gov.

The list of judges and details about the celebratory event will be released in the coming weeks. Follow the challenge and join in the conversation on social media by using the hashtag #RelishRhodyRecipe.