Now Accepting Submissions for the 2025 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 Recources
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.
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.
2025 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.
Apply Now!
Have your reviewed the documents above? Are you ready to become the next National Healthcare Foodservice Culinary Champion? Hit the APPLY NOW button below to submit your recipe!
Application Deadline
⏰ Apply by March 30, 2025
Finalist Announcement
📣 Finalists announced June 2025
Conference Dates
📅 August 21-23, 2025
📍 New Orleans, LA
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.
2025 Culinary Competition Committee Chair
2025 Culinary Competition Committee Vice-Chair
Chef Jared Hunter
Executive Chef
MD Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, TX
Chef Wes Lieberher
System Executive Chef
Endeavor Health
Naperville, IL
2023 AHF National Healthcare Foodservice
Culinary Champion
2024 AHF National Healthcare Foodservice
Culinary Champion