Competing for a cause: Kid chefs debut Super Bowl 52 snacks

Super Bowl 52 is still months away, but on Tuesday, Breaking Bread Café in North Minneapolis hosted an early Super Bowl party of its own. 

Ten kids, ages 8 to 14, enjoyed a little healthy competition making healthy Super Bowl snacks ahead of the big game. 

Recipes ranged from Healthy Rainbow Towers to Touchdown Taco Cups, as the kids presented their dishes to a panel of celebrity judges. 

“We have the opportunity to highlight that which sets us apart in this city. We have the opportunity to show that we are indeed the number one healthiest city in the entire country,” said Minneapolis Mayor-Elect, Jacob Frey. 

At the event, the Minnesota Super Bowl Committee, in partnership with Newman’s Own Foundation, presented non-profit Appetite for Change with a $50,000 grant. 

“The folks that come to our workshops, the youth that are in our youth employment program, report changes in their attitudes about cooking, about growing food. People are making healthier choices, people are losing weight and people are coming together,” said Appetite for Change co-founder and executive director, Michelle Horovitz. “This isn't just about healthy eating. This is about building community, and creating equity and justice around food systems, and creating ownership.” 

The grant is part of the 52 Weeks of Giving Campaign, a yearlong mission to give back to local community projects leading up to Super Bowl 52. 

“The most important thing in the world isn't a football game. It's people. It's the people here in Minnesota. So we are able to take a moment, the Super Bowl, and turn it into a legacy,” said Celebrity Chef Andrew Zimmern. “I think for years and years to come we are going to look back on this year of giving as something to be really proud of, as we see its impact across the state.”

The Super Bowl Host Committee will announce the winner of the Super Snack Challenge during the Kids Tailgate Party during Super Bowl Week.

The winning recipe will also be featured on the lunch menu at Minneapolis Public Schools.