Citywide Young Food Champion 2025

Salford’s Young Culinary Stars Shine at the First-Ever Food for Champions Cookery Final

On 8th July 2025, Citywide Development Chefs proudly hosted the inaugural Salford Food for Champions Cookery Competition Final, marking the exciting search for Citywide’s Young Food Champion 2025.

The journey began with a series of heats involving Year 4 and Year 5 pupils from schools across Salford. After showcasing their creativity and culinary flair, four talented young chefs advanced to the grand final.

This year’s finalists hailed from St. Mary’s CofE Primary School, Cadishead and Christ Church CofE Primary School, Eccles. The competition aimed to inspire children to explore nutritious ingredients and develop practical cooking skills in a fun and supportive environment. It’s part of a broader initiative to promote healthy school meals and highlight the vital role of good nutrition in learning, growth, and overall well-being.

Finalists included:

• Erica Karabab (Year 4), Christ Church CofE Primary School

• Arabella Wegener (Year 4), St Mary’s CofE Primary School

• Emily Vital (Year 5), Christ Church CofE Primary School

• Helaina Lee Edwards (Year 5), St Mary’s CofE Primary School

The competition was fierce, with each dish impressing judges with its aroma, presentation, and taste. After much deliberation, the 2025 Food for Champions winners were announced:

• Arabella Wegener (Year 4), St Mary’s CofE Primary School

• Emily Vital (Year 5), Christ Church CofE Primary School

Throughout the event Citywide’s 2025 Apprentices prepared and served canapés to guests. This provided a valuable platform for them to demonstrate their skills, share their culinary journeys, and discuss their aspirations of becoming professional chefs with their own kitchens.

The event also featured short talks highlighting the impact of Citywide’s Food for Champions education programme, which is helping Salford children learn about food, nutrition, and healthy eating. Updates were shared on the evolution of school menus and how insights from Development Chefs are being integrated into daily lunch offerings.