APPLE program hosts “chopped” competition to encourage nutrition

Published 9:51 am Thursday, February 27, 2020

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

By: Kaitlin Holley

The A.P.P.L.E. Program held a “CHOPPED” competition Tuesday in order to help students learn about nutrition and wellness.

“Our A.P.P.L.E. students have been learning about healthy choices this school year.” Sondra Ramsden, manager of the City of Andalusia A.P.P.L.E. program said.” I thought the “CHOPPED” food competition would be a fun and engaging way for our parents and children to get involved together.”

“CHOPPED” is an American reality-based cooking television game show series created by Michael Krupat, Dave Noll and Linda Lea. The show is hosted by Ted Allen. The series pits four chefs against each other as they compete for a chance to win $10,000.

This event was funded through a grant received from NRPA/Wal-Mart Foundation.

“Apple is more than just babysitting and homework in the afternoons”, Sondra continued, “It is an enrichment program that teaches these kids many life skills.”

Students from the A.P.P.L.E. program were celebrities of their own as they raced against the clock, hoping their team would not be “CHOPPED”.

“Healthy choices and nutrition” has been one of the themes at the after school program, and the kids had their own chance to show off some of their cooking and healthy meal preparation skills.

Each team had 45 minutes to perform the challenge. The chopped challenge included eggs, bacon, bread, blueberries, and spinach.

The Parent involvement proved fun, as each kid team had a parent also, helping with the team competition.

The categories included, Best Taste won by Jordan Ellison & Consuelo. Most creative category title was taken by Jakayla Mount and Kimber Stallworth.  Mother and son duo Holley and Wyatt Wingard took first place in the Presentation line, while dad and daughter, Riley and Tyler Wingard won Best Overall.

No one wanted to get “CHOPPED”, but judges Wynne Glenn, Jana Clark, and Ricky Daniels knew it was all in fun.

Students were encouraged to continue their cooking and healthy meal preparation, as all participants left with a muffin pan kit and spatula to take home with them.

Chopped teams included: Kimberly Watson with Alessia Watson and CaMarcus Williams, Tequila Chambers with Eboni Welch, Kimber Stallworth with Jakayla Mount, Consuelo Bradley with Jordan Ellison, Greg Palmer with Ashton Carlson, Ashley Palmer with Anniston Carlson, Amanda Little with Haylee Little, Tyler Wingard with Rylee Wingard, Holley Wingard with Wyatt Wingard, Ericka Dees with Symphonee Dees, Andre Dees with Mariah Dees, Amanda Cunningham with Ryker Cunningham, Eric Maurer with Claire Maurer.