Page 4 - 25-26 Parker Co. 4-H Food Show guidelines

E L I G I B I L I T Y

A G E D I V I S I O N S

A N D C A T E G O R I E S

Categories

Eligibility and Age Divisions Appetizer – Traditionally an appetizer is a
small dish or food that
Eligibility: Contestants must be enrolled is eaten prior to the main course. When
and actively participating as a 4-H selecting recipes for this category,
member. contestants should consider foods that
are lower in fat, sodium, and calories to
Age Divisions: not ruin one’s appetite.
Senior Division: members must be in
grades 9th through the 12th for the Main Dish – The main dish is usually the
current school year. heaviest, heartiest, and most substantial
dish in a meal. In a meal consisting of
Intermediate Division: Must be in grades several courses, the main dish is served
6th through the 8th for the current during the main course and is the
school year. featured dish of the meal. The key
ingredient is usually meat or another
Junior Division: must be at least 8 years protein food, but they may contain other
of age and in grades 3rd through 5th for foods.
the current school year.
Side Dishes – Side dishes are foods that
Clover Kids: youth 5 years of age to 8 and are usually served along with a main dish
not in the 3rd grade as of August 31st of or as accompaniments to the main
the current school year. course. Suggested dishes may include
salads, cooked vegetables, cooked fruit,
Please note: Clover kids may participate pasta or rice dishes, and/or
in the Parker County 4-H Food Show but combination vegetable dishes.
are not eligible to compete.
Healthy Desserts – Healthy can still mean
delicious when it comes to desserts.
Dishes in this category should be served
at the end of the meal or for special
occasions. Contestants should modify
traditional recipes with healthy
substitutions and consider MyPlate and
Dietary Guidelines when selecting recipes
for this category.