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McLean, Virginia — Real Food for Kids is proud to announce that award-winning Chef Kevin Tien, Executive Chef and owner of the celebrated Moon Rabbit, has been selected as Event Chair for the upcoming Real Food for Kids Culinary Challenge on March 8, 2025. This annual event, now in its thirteenth year, brings student teams together to create innovative, nutritious recipes for school meals, advocating for the importance of healthy, whole foods to improve children’s health and wellness.
Known for his vibrant Vietnamese-American cuisine, Chef Tien brings a passion for sustainable food systems and community-driven culinary initiatives to the role. As Event Chair, he will be instrumental in guiding student team participants as they create recipes emphasizing fresh, whole ingredients and fostering healthier eating habits in schools.
“Chef Kevin Tien’s dedication to supporting youth empowerment and culinary education aligns seamlessly with Real Food for Kids’ mission, making him an ideal advocate for this year’s challenge,” said Bonnie Moore, Executive Director and Founding Board Member of Real Food for Kids.
Chef Tien added, “It’s a privilege to join Real Food for Kids in celebrating the creativity and skills of young chefs in a larger role. I look forward to seeing how this year’s teams will transform their ideas into nutritious dishes that make a real impact in schools.”
Since 2020, Chef Tien has been a devoted supporter of Real Food for Kids, championing its mission to transform eating behaviors and improve health outcomes for children and families throughout the Greater Washington Region. Inspired by the students’ passion and creativity, Chef Tien went beyond his role as a Culinary Challenge judge in previous years. He offered one particularly talented participant a summer internship at Moon Rabbit and, impressed by their dedication, later extended a full-time position in his kitchen. He also hosted all participating teams at his restaurant for an elevated dining experience. Additionally, Chef Tien has made significant contributions to the Real Food for Kids Chefs Feeding Families initiative, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to provide free, plant-forward meals and fresh produce boxes to food-insecure children and families in the DMV.
The 2025 Culinary Challenge will take place at Hayfield Secondary School in Alexandria, Va. The community is invited to attend and personally taste the students’ culinary creations, judging for themselves the innovation and flavor these young chefs bring to their dishes. For more information and sponsorship details, please visit realfoodforkids.org/culinarychallenge.
About Chef Kevin Tien
Chef Kevin Tien is the Executive Chef and owner of Moon Rabbit, an acclaimed modern Vietnamese-American restaurant located in Washington, D.C. Known for his innovative culinary approach and community-focused values, Chef Tien’s cooking is inspired by his Vietnamese heritage and seasonal ingredients, delivering vibrant and memorable dining experiences. Beyond the kitchen, he is a committed advocate for social justice and community support. He co-founded Chefs Stopping AAPI Hate, an organization uniting the culinary community to combat anti-Asian violence and promote social equity.
Chef Tien’s talent and dedication to the community are reflected in his many accolades, including being a 2024 James Beard Foundation Finalist (his fifth nomination), 2023 RAMW Chef of the Year, Food & Wine Best New Chef 2018, and Esquire’s Best Restaurant of the Year 2021. Alongside his new role as Event Chair, Chef Tien recently joined the Real Food for Kids Advisory Board as an Industry Advisor, where he will further support the organization’s vision and impact.
About Real Food for Kids
Real Food for Kids is the leading advocate for healthy school food in the National Capital Region. Real Food for Kids is dedicated to improving school food in the Mid-Atlantic region by empowering students and engaging communities. Through programs like the Culinary Challenge, the organization supports food education, better nutrition, and sustainable access to whole foods in schools. For more information about our mission and programs, visit www.realfoodforkids.org.
