Amateur chefs are invited to submit recipes in four categories: side dish, entrée, dessert, and snack. While each category has its own specific rules, all submissions must be diabetic-friendly, cost efficient, and above all, appetizing. Leving is most looking forward to the entrée portion.
“The requirements created for each area are what make this challenge so unique. Creating an entrée that is less than 750 calories, no more than eight ingredients, and delicious is not a simple task. These are the meals responsible parents prepare for their children.”
Leving, Chairman for the Illinois Council on Responsible Fatherhood (www.responsiblefatherhood.illinois.gov)
“The involvement of a parent influences the growth of their child, emotionally and physically. In this case, it is important for parents to instill nutritious eating habits with their children to ensure they grow up healthy. Critical studies have shown that parental influence over children’s eating habits outweigh that of their schools and the media”.
The presence of Type II Diabetes in children, formerly known as adult-onset diabetes, has grown substantially within the past two decades. According to the advocacy organization Trust for America’s Health, Illinois ranks 10th highest in the country for overweight or obese children, ages 10-17. Leving, and programs like The Southside Diabetes Project, recognize the need to promote healthy eating habits.
The contestant that Leving chooses will have the chance to walk home with a $500 award or other great prizes.
For more on the event or on diabetic-friendly eating, visit www.southsidediabetes.com.
To schedule an interview to promote this important event, please contact Jennifer Whiteside at 312.296.3666 for more information.
