WEST DEPTFORD TWP. The savory aroma of garlic, herbs and grilled fresh vegetables wafted from the kitchen at RiverWinds Community Center as South Jersey mayors faced off in a cooking battle royale.
Ten mayors six from Gloucester County competed in the Mayors Healthy Cook-Off, Tuesday, to see who could prepare the healthiest and, of course, tastiest dish. The event was held as part of the Mayors Wellness Campaign, which aims to promote healthier living and more active lifestyles.
“We hope everyone enjoys themselves, eats well and stays healthy,” said West Deptford Township Mayor Anna Docimo, who prepared Penne pasta, otherwise affectionately known as “Aunt Annie’s Penne.”
Baked Tilapia with spinach and tomato rice salad, cream cheese and carrot muffins and turkey meatballs were just a few items on the menu.
“There’s nothing unhealthy in the dish,” boasted Harrison Township Mayor Mike Koestler, as he prepared Penne with shrimp and broccoli a family recipe.
Quality, fresh ingredients and proper cooking technique are key to making a healthy dish with maximum flavor, said Robert Minniti, president of South Jersey Hot Chefs and Chef/Owner of Bacio Italian Cuisine in Cinnaminson.
“Absolutely, healthy food can taste good,” said Minniti, who joined several health and food experts on judging the dishes.
Rounding out the judges panel were Chef George Cramer, director of Food and Nutrition Services at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital; Betty Brown-Joynes, a nutrition professor at Camden County College; and Patrick Young, president, Aetna Small and Middle Markets; Fred Baxter, of the New England Patriots; and Rhone Carr, president of the Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce and World Championship Chili Cook-Off Finalist.
Deptford Mayor Paul Medany, who prepared broccoli and chicken salad, took home the title of “Healthiest Dish,” while “Best-Tasting” went to Docimo and “Best Presentation” went to Koestler.
The Mayors Wellness Campaign was presented with a check for $100,000 from Aetna, which has been a major source of funding since the initiative’s inception in 2005.
New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute and New Jersey State League of Municipalities established the campaign in response to the nation’s growing problem with obesity.
“It’s an epidemic and New Jersey’s the worst in the nation in terms of children under the age of five in lower socioeconomic levels,” said David Knowlton, president and CEO of New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute.
The initiative provides community leaders with the tools they need to implement active lifestyles programs in their communities.
“We’ve got to make a change,” said Knowlton. “The good news is, it’s something we can fix it, we just need to be aggressive in fixing it.”
