K-State Research and Extension 21 Central District

4-H Foods & Nutrition

Exhibitors, enrolled in 4-H Foods & Nutrition are not limited to a number of entries per class in this Division at the Edwards County Fair. 4-H'ers are encouraged to make all entries as nutritious as possible.

How to Enter Food Item at the Edwards County Fair

  • Exhibitors may only exhibit non-perishable foods. For safety purposes, any food with custard and dairy-based filling and frosting (ex. cream cheese), raw eggs, "canned" bread or cakes in a jar, cut fresh fruit or any food requiring refrigeration or unbaked exhibit with raw flour, will be disqualified and not judged.
  • All exhibits are to have a completed entry tag, but do NOT attach cards to products. Place entry tag on top of bagged item.
  • Recipes are required for all exhibits and should be on 8.5" x 11" white piece of paper. Complete recipes with ingredients and instructions must be attached with the entry, or placing may be lowered one ribbon when judged.
  • All baked goods must be left whole and uncut. Small items, such as cookies and rolls, should be 3 items the same shape and from the same recipe.
  • Remove baked products from baking pans and place on heavy paper plate or covered cardboard cut to fit size of product. Place food items in clear plastic re-sealable bag.
  • All foam cakes shall be exhibited in an upright position with the top crust showing; no frosting.

NEW! 4-H Foods & Nutrition -

Frosting & Filling Calculation Worksheet

Frosting & Filling Calculation Form

For food safety purposes, any entries with frosting and filling must calculate the amount of sugar in the frosting/filling recipe only. Calculation must be attached to entry, or the placing will be lowered one ribbon when judged. Frosting and filling need to contain 65% sugar for safety.

SOLD! Selling at the Edwards County Fair

The Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion food items and food items receiving a purple ribbon may be sold at the Edwards County Fair Premium Auction. A new food item must be made for the auction. Be sure to make an impression on potential buyers by presenting your item in an enticing, presentable fashion (example: tray, platter, basket, etc.).

Layer Cake Containers

Layer cake containers are available at the Extension Office.

Make It Nutritious

Modified Food Product - 4-H'ers are encouraged to make all entries are nutritious as possible. Modified Food Products are food products in which the recipes have been modified to make the food product more nutritious. For example: use whole wheat flour, dried fruit, oatmeal, cereal flakes, dry milk powder, etc. where possible.

WARNING: No Alcohol

Alcohol is not allowed as an ingredient in food entries. Entries with alcohol will be disqualified and not judged.

Flop Class

The Flop Class is for a food product that did not turn out as expected. This can be helpful as to why it happened. This class is not judged but is a learning experience for 4-H'ers.

Food Gift Package

A food gift package must contain at least 3 different food items (prepared for human consumption), made by the 4-H member, in a suitable container, no larger than 18" x 18" x 18". Prepared food items must have recipes attached with the entry. Additional homemade food items beyond the 3 minimum or purchased items may also be included in the gift basket. On the back of the entry card, answer these questions: a) what is the intended use is; b) what food safety precautions were taken during and after preparation. Home canned food items must follow Food Preservation rules. Canning jars should not be used for baking according to the manufacturer's instructions. They could break during baking. No alcoholic beverages will be accepted.

To Compete at the Kansas State Fair

4-H'ers may only take 1 food item with a purple placing at the Edwards County Fair, to the Kansas State Fair in September.