We are excited to invite all K-12 students in our district to participate in the 2026 “Nourish to Flourish” Contest, presented by the Southern California School Nutrition Association (SCSNA). This year’s theme, “Celebrating our Berry Sweet School Nutrition Champions,” celebrates the vital role of school nutrition professionals in shaping the health, well-being, and success of students.
Why Participate?
School nutrition professionals in California serve over 4 million children daily and prepare more than 750 million lunches annually. Their work extends beyond providing meals—they create a welcoming, positive environment where students feel cared for and supported. Let’s take this opportunity to recognize their dedication and impact on healthier futures for our children.
Contest Categories (Choose One)
Students may submit one entry only (no team entries) in one of the following categories:
🎨 Art – Visual art (drawing, painting, or digital media) showcasing school nutrition professionals or the importance of healthy meals.
📝 Poetry – Poems reflecting themes like nutrition, gratitude, or the contributions of the school nutrition team.
📖 Short Story – Stories highlighting the life of nutrition staff, an inspiring moment, or the impact of healthy eating. (Between 100-400 words)
Judges Scoring Criteria & Prizes
Judges will select 12 winners (1 per category per grade group). Decisions are final and based on creativity, content, and presentation. Winners will be notified via email in April 2026.
| Grade Level | Categories | Prize (Student) | Prize (Kitchen Team) |
| K-4th | Art, Poetry, Story | $100 | Special Recognition Prize |
| 5th-8th | Art, Poetry, Story | $100 | Special Recognition Prize |
| 9th-12th | Art, Poetry, Story | $100 | Special Recognition Prize |
| SPED | Art, Poetry, Story | $100 | Special Recognition Prize |
Submission Details
📅 Deadline: February 27, 2026, by 11:59 PM (PST)
📂 Format: PDF or JPG for uploads
📩 Google Form Submission: Submit Here
📧 Technical Support: Email southerncsna@gmail.com
📖 Full Contest Details: Click Here
This contest is a meaningful opportunity for students to showcase their creativity while honoring the incredible contributions of our school nutrition professionals. Let’s work together to recognize these champions and their role in nourishing our future!
