National Culinary Competition

2025 National Healthcare & Senior Dining Culinary Finalists​

AHF’s National Culinary Competition is a career-changing opportunity for our competing member teams. Five teams of two were selected from self-operated facilities around the country. Each year our five teams compete for Gold, Silver, and Bronze during a 75-minute timed competition with set ingredient options selected from AHF’s curated Market Basket.

Competitors are selected through a rigorous, blinded, selection process. The live competition will take place during our National Conference in New Orleans August 21-23, 2025.

  • Benjamin Robinett & Adam Carleton | INTEGRIS Health Southwest Medical Center | Oklahoma City, OK
  • Roberto Rodriguez & Joseph Westley, CEC | Primary Children’s Hospital Salt Lake | Salt Lake City, UT
  • Adam Schloemer, CEC & Erika Dugan | Scottish Rite Hospital for Children | Dallas, TX
  • Rogelio Gonzalez Lara & Ayanna Campbell, MS, RD, LDN | St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital | Memphis, TN
  • Justin Lee, CDM, CFPP & Michael Fuller, CDM, CFPP | St. Joseph Medical Center | Tacoma, WA
Learn More About the 2025 National Culinary Finalists...

About the AHF National Culinary Competition

2024 Competition Recording
2025 Official Rules
FAQs

2025 Market Basket

Applicants must select at least ONE ingredient from Basket A along with at least TWO ingredients from Basket B.
Market Basket A
  • Andouille Sausage
  • Crab
  • Pork (Loin, Chops, or Ground)
  • King Trumpet / Oyster Mushrooms
Mystery Ingredient
  • To Be Announced at Conference
Market Basket B
  • The Trinity*
  • Collards
  • Corn-on-the-Cob
  • Eggplant
  • Okra
  • Sweet Potatoes

 

  • Basmati Rice
  • Pecans
  • Red Beans (canned or dried*)
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“AHF conference is time we’ll spent. Great opportunities for refreshing my perspective to daily operational challenges with innovative ideas and solutions. Always appreciate this opportunity!”
2022

M. C.
Operator - Senior Dining - Pennsylvania

“I personally loved this opportunity! There is much information and help that is required for someone like me to grow as a foodservice individual. I was able to learn so much, and meet so many different people. I even made a few new friends. This was an amazing time for myself, and I would love to attend next year!”
2022

J. B.
Operator - Critical Access Hospital - Indiana

“The AHF National Conference never disappoints! If you can dream it, an operator or business partner at the conference is willing to share their wisdom and help you succeed.”
2022

M. V.
Operator - Pediatric Hospital - Tennessee

“The 2023 AHF Conference: The Great Journey. Such a fitting theme to encompass the experiences I had during this conference. This was the first professional conference I have attended and the bar has been set high. I left feeling inspired and validated-with many great ideas to implement. My confidence as a leader was restored and the networking experience was outstanding. I cannot wait to attend the next AHF National Conference!”
2023

E. L.
Operator - Acute Care - Texas

“Best Conference Ever!!!”
2023

T. R.
Operator - Specialty Hospital - Texas

“The AHF Annual Conference is fabulous! I look forward to attending each year to network with clients and friends, meet new people, and do a lot of learning. #BestWeekoftheYear!”
2023

S. M.
Business Partner

“AHF is an amazing organization, and I am in awe of the strength and knowledge base of the members. I learn something new every time I interact with both operator and business partner members. It gives me the lift I need to continue to drive my program forward for my patients and customers.”
2023

E. B.
Operator - Acute Care - Illinois

“I feel that the 2023 Conference was AHF’s best one yet; we continue to raise the bar and deliver impactful, engaging content and opportunities to connect with core Industry thought leaders, subject matter experts and friends. Thank you for an exceptional event, all around! Great job!”
2023

S. G.
Business Partner

“The annual AHF conference always allows me to build my network, learn and grow as a leader. The takeaways were many and so very useful.”
2023

A. O.
Operator - Acute Care & Senior Dining - New Jersey

“AHF National Conference is an incredible experience. It is very helpful to meet so many people faced with similar challenges in the industry and to be able to non-competitively share best practices. The collaboration is amazing and something I truly look forward to.”
2023

J. G.
Operator - Acute Care - Ohio