Now Accepting Submissions for the 2026 AHF National Culinary Competition!
Apply Now!
Showcase your skills and compete against top culinary teams in healthcare foodservice, senior dining and hospitality!
Quick-Access Application Resources
Updated Rules for 2026 Coming Soon...
2025 Official Rules Document
This document outlines everything you need to know for a successful application and competition experience. It includes eligibility requirements, application and recipe guidelines, market basket ingredients, food cost and nutrition parameters, judging criteria, competition rules, finalist selection details, and awards. All applicants must review this document carefully before applying to ensure a high-quality submission.
NEW for 2026:
- Individuals from different sites within the same system may now submit an application together. The site name of the Teal Lead will be used for promotional purposes.
- Raw food cost increased for 2026 to $9.00 per portion. Raw food cost must not exceed $9.00 per portion. The raw food cost includes all ingredients for the center of plate, sides, sauces, and garnishes.
- Required orientation for Team Lead: Once teams have been selected, AHF will host a virtual orientation. Attendance is required for the Team Lead.
AHF Culinary Competition Recipe Template
This is the required format for all submitted recipes. It ensures consistency and includes sections for each component, including ingredients, preparation steps, and plating instructions. Recipes must be original and written for entrées, side dishes, sauces, or garnishes, using two classic knife cuts and two classic cooking methods. At least one ingredient from Market Basket A and two from Market Basket B must be included. All ingredients should be listed clearly with quantities. Only approved additional ingredients may be used. Recipes must be proofed before submission and written for six portions using the official AHF Recipe Format.
Sample AHF Equipment List
A complete list of equipment and smallwares provided by AHF. Any additional equipment not listed here must be submitted in your application for approval. Finalist teams may bring their own approved equipment and smallwares if included in the initial submission and approved by the committee. Finalists are responsible for their own equipment, and AHF is not liable for any loss or damage.
FAQ Document
This document answers common questions about the application process, competition rules, recipe requirements, and more. Reviewing it can help ensure a smooth and successful submission. Applicants are encouraged to read through the FAQs before applying to clarify any details and avoid common mistakes. You may also view our FAQ page with additional information HERE >>
Recipe Submission Guide
Five finalists teams will be selected based on the following: originality and innovation, creativity in utilizing the market basket ingredients, applicability to healthcare foodservice and senior dining, appealing use of color and texture, and overall plate presentation. If chosen as a finalist, only one team per organization will be selected to compete at the AHF National Conference Culinary Competition.
Application Deadline
⏰ Apply by March 29, 2026
Finalist Announcement
📣 Finalists announced June 2025
Conference Dates
📅 August 20-222, 2026
📍 Atlanta, Georgia
Get Ready to Apply: AHF National Culinary Competition Checklist
Select the Perfect Partner
Choose a teammate who complements your skills, shares your passion, and will support and challenge you to grow. This is your chance to learn from one another and showcase your strengths together.
Do Your Homework
Review eligibility requirements, competition rules, FAQs, and the event schedule. Watch past competition recordings and explore finalist recipes for inspiration and insight.
Master the Details
Submit a polished application with a complete recipe, nutritional and cost analysis, and a high-quality photo of your dish! Remember, this is about showcasing self-op excellence and redefining #hospitalfood and #seniordining!
Start Now — Competition is Fierce!
With only five teams selected from a large pool of applicants nationwide, this is a highly competitive selection process! And being selected means more than competing, it’s your ticket to the AHF National Conference, where you’ll connect with industry leaders, gain invaluable insights, and grow professionally in an unforgettable environment.
Need Help? Contact Us!
AHF staff and dedicated members of the AHF Culinary Competition Committee are here to help! Our Culinary Competition Committee Chair and Vice-Chair are available to answer questions, offer advice, and provide guidance throughout the application process. AHF is a community of self-operated professionals committed to improving healthcare foodservice, senior dining, and hospitality. Together, we are leading the way…
📧 For assistance, contact us at culinary@healthcarefoodservice.org.
2026 Culinary Competition Committee Chair
2024 AHF National Healthcare Foodservice
Culinary Champion
Chef Wes Lieberher
System Executive Chef
Endeavor Health
Naperville, IL
2026 Culinary Competition Committee Vice-Chair
2025 AHF National Healthcare Foodservice
Culinary Champion
Chef Benjamin Robinett
System Executive Chef
INTEGRIS Health Southwest Medical Center
Oklahoma City, OK