WASHINGTON — Stefani Shimomura-Sakamoto, 11, of Honolulu is one of 54 winners of Michelle Obama’s Healthy Lunchtime Challenge and will attend a “Kids’ State Dinner” with the first lady at the White House on Aug. 20.
Stefani’s Scrumptious Salmon Salad Lunch was the Hawaii winner in the nationwide challenge for children ages 8 to 12. Out of more than 1,200 entries, one recipe was selected for each state, three U.S. territories and the District of Columbia.
Rep. Colleen Hanabusa (D-Hawaii) offered her congratulations, adding, “I would love a copy of her recipe.”
Other winners included Alaska Teriyaki Salmon Wrap by Aaron Blust, 9, of Alaska; Dumplings and Veggie Sushi by Annalee Carroll, 12, of Maine; Sizzling Tofu with Green Onions and Sugar Snap Peas by Samuel Hightower, 10, of Maryland; and Sushi for Kids by Ariana Lugo, 9, of Puerto Rico.
In addition to a lunch featuring a selection of the winning recipes, the children will tour the White House kitchen garden.
The contest is part of Mrs. Obama’s Let’s Move initiative. Entries were evaluated at D.C. Central Kitchen by a panel of judges that included White House Assistant Chef Sam Kass; Chef José Andrés; Marshall and Alex Reid, authors of “Portion Size Me”; Epicurious Editor-in-Chief Tanya Steel; and representatives from the USDA and the Department of Education.
Organizers thanked the “talented junior chefs” who participated in the contest and announced that a free downloadable e-cookbook with the winning recipes will be available at www.letsmove.gov/kids-state-dinner. Stefani’s recipe appears below.
