Metro Atlanta youth compete in annual culinary competition
Youth from across metro Atlanta recently brought the heat to the kitchen as they competed in the annual “Salsa Salsa” Culinary Showdown at the William M. & Betty E. Small Boys & Girls Club of Metro Atlanta (BGCMA) gym in Chamblee on June 17.
The annual “Salsa Salsa” competition is a culinary event where club youth showcase homemade salsa recipes created using ingredients grown in their own club’s garden. According to BGCMA officials, the event celebrates healthy lifestyles, teamwork, creativity, and youth leadership while bringing BGCMA’s gardening and nutrition programming to life in a fun and engaging way.
For 11 years, Willy’s Mexicana Grill and its guests have helped support Boys & Girls Clubs youth through fundraising efforts that fuel programs focused on academic success, healthy lifestyles, and leadership development. This year’s campaign also included support from The Coca-Cola Company and the Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation.
“We believe young people deserve opportunities to learn, grow, and discover the potential through hands on experiences that prepare them for just what they’re doing today, not just what they will do tomorrow, but for the incredible future that they have before them,” stated Libby Wright, president and CEO of BGCMA. “So, programs like ‘Salsa Salsa’ are possible because of community partners and supporters who believe in that.”
The winning salsa for this year competition was a “sweet heat” salsa created by the Newnan/Howard Warner Boys & Girls Clubs that featured peaches. Their salsa will be featured at the nearest Willy’s Mexicana Grill location to the winning club.
According to officials, “Salsa Salsa” reflects the power of partnerships in creating meaningful experiences and opportunities for young people while highlighting BGCMA’s commitment to helping kids and teens become future-ready through hands-on learning, wellness programming, and positive youth development.
