National Culinary Competition

2026 AHF National Healthcare & Senior Dining Culinary Competition

AHF’s National Culinary Competition is a career-changing opportunity for our competing member teams. Five teams of two are 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.

About the AHF National Culinary Competition

2025 Panel of Judges

All finalist teams have the opportunity to receive feedback and advice in a private debriefing following the competition from our expert panel of judges.

Andrea Apuzzo

Laureen Herzig

Carole Lynne Davis

Timothy Schoonmaker

David Brue

Jared Hunter

2026 Market Basket

Applicants must select at least ONE ingredient from Basket A along with at least TWO ingredients from Basket B.

Market Basket A

Chicken (Whole Broiler)
Beef (Filet, Skirt Steak, Sirloin, or Flank Steak)
Gulf Shrimp
Eggs (Chicken)
Pecans

Mystery Ingredient

To Be Announced at Conference

Market Basket B

Peaches
Plums
Greens (Turnip or Mustard)
Vidalia Onions
Heirloom Tomatoes
Hominy

Lima / Butter Beans
Carolina Gold Rice
Goat Cheese
Honey

About Market Basket A

Center-of-Plate Ingredients

Submissions must include at least one (1) ingredient from Market Basket A, which will serve as the “meat” of the dish. Applicants can expect to have 3-4 options to choose from, including at least 1 vegetarian option, to ensure inclusivity for diverse culinary approaches.

About Market Basket B

Submissions must include at least two (2) ingredients from Market Basket B. This basket will feature a curated selection of seasonal fruits, vegetables, grains, and specialty ingredients. The ingredients will be selected with the intention of providing teams the flexibility to create dishes that reflect their organization’s mission, team culture, and operation’s service model, while honoring the spirit and flavors of our host city.

About Market The Mystery Ingredient

The Mystery Ingredient will be revealed during the Pre-Competition Orientation on-site at the National Conference. Teams will then have approximately 24-hours to enhance their recipes, incorporating the new ingredient. The Mystery Ingredient MUST be incorporated into the dish and judges will score teams for originality and creative use of the ingredient.

Additional Ingredients

Recipes may include any additional ingredients of the team’s choosing. The cost of these additional ingredients must be included in the total raw food cost and all ingredients must be reflected in the nutritional analysis for the recipe.

“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

January 3, 2025 No Comments

2026 AHF National Healthcare & Senior Dining Culinary Competition AHF’s National Culinary Competition is a career-changing opportunity for our competing member teams.