Here for Commitment to Citizenship and Cooking for Community

Each year, the Mid-South 4‑H Pantry Challenge brings together young leaders to showcase creativity, teamwork and resourcefulness as they plan, cook and present nutritious, affordable meals using ingredients commonly found in dollar stores and food pantries. With eighteen teams from Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi and Tennessee to demonstrate their culinary ingenuity, the event is built around a simple idea: great meals don’t require expensive ingredients. It’s a mission closely aligned with Dollar General ’s commitment to expanding access to nutritious, affordable food options in the communities we serve - and this year, DG supported the event through donations to the winning teams.

Led by the 4‑H Youth Development programs at the University of Tennessee Extension Institute of Agriculture and the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Research & Extension, teams receive pantry staples, basic seasonings and a mystery ingredient before preparing a meal for a panel of judges. Tim Price, Mid-South Farm & Gin Show Director, shared that the competition is rooted in giving back to the community and helping young people develop practical skills that last a lifetime.

“This challenge is possible because so many people come together for the greater good - investing in youth development, education and the ongoing challenge of food sufficiency. Many of the communities served by 4‑H depend on stores like Dollar General for essential groceries. Teaching young people how to prepare nutritious meals with the resources at hand is one of the best investments we can make.”

Price also noted that the Farm & Gin Show created the event to help families learn to cook using foods available in their communities while also being mindful of food waste.

For 4‑H, the Pantry Challenge is a powerful example of the organization’s mission in action - developing skills that help young people thrive far beyond the competition while sharing meal ideas that stretch budgets. Erin Ortiz, 4‑H Youth Development Extension Specialist, emphasized the lasting impact of the program. “Healthy living programs like the Pantry Challenge help our youth continue to build leadership, citizenship and life skills while making a real difference for families across the region.”

Dollar General proudly supported winners with gift cards recognizing their creativity and commitment to cooking with purpose. First place went to the Culinary Clovers, who received a $750 DG gift card. The Jalapeño Hotties earned second place and a $500 DG gift card, while the Louisiana Spice Girls took home third place and a $250 DG gift card. Their dishes impressed judges with smart ingredient use, thoughtful nutrition and standout presentation.

Events like the Mid-South 4‑H Pantry Challenge reflect Dollar General ’s commitment to supporting the communities we serve. Especially in rural areas, DG stores are essential hubs for pantry items, affordable staples and increasingly, fresh foods. By supporting programs that teach youth how to budget, cook and care for their families, Dollar General is proud to play a role in strengthening the next generation and help ensure families, no matter where they live, have access to resources needed to thrive.