Children 8-12 can submit a healthy lunch recipe by April 5 to get chance for trip to Kids’ ‘State Dinner’ at White House

First Lady Michelle Obama is again teaming up with the Education and Agriculture departments to run a nationwide recipe contest to promote cooking and healthy eating by young people.

“Teaching kids to cook is a great way to ensure our children learn healthy habits early in life,” a white House press release said. “Research shows that children who help with cooking and meal preparation are more likely to consume fruits and vegetables, and they are more aware of the importance of making healthier food choices.’

The third annual Healthy Lunchtime Challenge & Kids’ “State Dinner” encourages students across the country to come up with healthy, original creations.

It invites parents or guardians and their children, ages 8 through 12, to create and submit an original lunch recipe that is healthy, affordable and tasty.

The recipe must follow the guidance that supports USDA’s MyPlate to ensure that the criteria of a healthy meal are met. Entries must include each major food group, either in one dish or as parts of a lunch meal, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and low-fat dairy foods, with fruits and veggies making up roughly half of the plate or recipe.

Recipes can be submitted through April 5, online at www.recipechallenge.epicurious.com, or via mail to The Healthy Lunchtime Challenge c/o Epicurious.com, 1166 Ave. of the Americas, 15th Floor, New York NY 10036.

This summer, Delta Air Lines will fly 56 children and their parent/guardian (one pair from each of the 50 states, plus the U.S. territories, D.C., and Puerto Rico) to the nation’s capital where they will have the opportunity to attend a Kids’ “State Dinner” at the White House hosted by Mrs. Obama. A selection of the winning healthy recipes will be served. Winners will be notified in May. For more information and contest rules visit www.recipechallenge.epicurious.com.