Student innovation and creativity shine in dairy-focused Mac and Cheese Challenge

FUN COMPETITION …

Nearly two hundred educators registered their students for the Mac and Challenge

Over 250 creative student were submitted by students across New York state. (Courtesy Photo)

ITHACA, N.Y. — New York Agriculture in the Classroom is excited to announce the winners of its first dairy innovation challenge.

In November, New York Agriculture in the Classroom (NYAITC) highlighted the New York state dairy industry by challenging students and educators from across the state to learn about the sector and diverse careers found within the industry while they created and marketed a unique macaroni and dish. Nearly two hundred educators registered their students for the Mac and Challenge in four divisions: Primary (Pre-K-2), Intermediate (3-5), Middle School (6-8), and High School (9-12) to take on the innovative and entrepreneurial challenge.

To give participating students a real-world view of life in the dairy industry, NYAITC offered two virtual field trips. The first featured Sous Chef Kane Jilek, who is known for his award-winning macaroni and cheese dishes. Chef Jilek provided tips on development, flavor profiles, and techniques as he prepared one of his famous macaroni and cheese . The second virtual field trip took students and educators on a tour of Tiashoke Farm, a working dairy farm, owned and operated by the Ziehm family. Dairy Farmer Jessica Ziehm gave classrooms a “behind the curtain” experience as she led students and teachers through the steps of milk production, described the dairy cow lifecycle, and highlighted the and safety regulations followed by farmers and processors of dairy products.

To further support and learning in the classroom, NYAITC sent participating classrooms boxes of macaroni and cheese to taste test or use as a base for their dish. The first 50 classrooms to register also received educational kits with spices, a few basic…

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