HEAL Alabama
Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) Alabama is holding a healthy recipe challenge this October.
To enter the competition, students age 18 or younger nominate an adult and a recipe which uses healthy ingredients. The rules are simple, said HEAL founder Christy Swaid, and only require one fruit or vegetable in the recipe. The competition also suggests using seasonal, locally grown produce and healthy cooking options.
“We want kids to say, ‘My grandma makes a rock and roll spaghetti sauce that has real vegetables in it,” Swaid said.
Keeping the rules simple also opens up the competition to more families, Swaid said.
“It’s great because it kind of gives a wide range of people who can submit,” Swaid said.
The recipes will be reviewed by HEAL nutritionists, and a group of finalists will move on to the tasting celebration. The tasting celebration is Oct. 27 from 5-7 p.m. at HEAL Headquarters on Montgomery Highway.
Students will be able to sample the food at the celebration and provide feedback.
“Kids will be the judge,” Swaid said.
There will also be a food demonstration by Birmingham caterer Kathy G. at the celebration.
All finalist recipes will be included in HEAL educational materials and on the HEAL website. The winner will receive a $500 grocery gift card and a guest appearance on HEAL at Home, a TV show on Alabama Public Television.
It costs $25 to enter the contest, which also pays for two tickets to the tasting celebration. Participants also have the opportunity to donate more, Swaid said, and those who donate $100 or more receive four tickets to the tasting as well as a custom HEAL apron. All proceeds go to HEAL Alabama.
“Our goal is to get them [kids] to enjoy healthy eating, active living,” Swaid said.
Registration is open until Oct. 9. For more information, visit healalabama.org or visit HEAL Headquarters at 1360 Montgomery Highway, Suite 116.
