From NKAA, Notable Kentucky African Americans Database (main entry)
Smith-Jackson, Myka
(born: 2003) In 2012, Myka Smith-Jackson from Lexington, KY, submitted her Perfect Curry Chicken Wrap recipe to the Healthy Lunchtime Challenge. The nation-wide challenge, a recipe contest for children, was launched by Epicurious. Myka's Perfect Curry Chicken Wrap was named the winning recipe for the state of Kentucky. It was the first year for the challenge, which also makes Myka the first winner for the state of Kentucky. As a result of her winning recipe, Myka and her family were invited to attend the "Kid's State Dinner" at the U.S. White House, along with the winners representing the 49 other states, and Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Washington D.C. The children's recipes were also published by Epicurious in a free cookbook that is available online (.pdf).Also in 2012, Myka Smith-Jackson started her cupcake business, Myka's Perfect Cupcakes & More. The business is still in operation today and the latest happenings are posted on her blog. Myka also has had recipes published in Future Chefs and Food Fight. In 2015, she was the Breckinridge Elementary School winner in the Young Achievers county-wide program for the 2014-15 school year in Fayette County, KY. Myka Smith-Jackson is from Lexington, KY, she is the daughter of Nakia Jackson. For more information see S. Thompson, "Hail to the chefs - Lexington girl among White House honorees," Lexington Herald Leader, 09/06/2012, page B1; and "This year's crop of Young Achievers," Lexington Herald Leader, 06/09/2015, p.2B.
Program Background Information: The Healthy Lunchtime Challenge was held between 2012 and 2016 in support of First Lady Michelle Obama's fitness program Let's Move. One of the goals of the joined effort was to encourage parents and guardians to work with their children between the ages of 8 and 12 to create healthy and appetizing lunchtime recipes. Over the five years, 2012-2016, there were more than 6,000 recipes submitted for review, with more than 270 selected as winners. For more information about the Healthy Lunchtime Challenge see "Healthy Lunchtime Challenge and Kid's State Dinner" at the epicurious website; and "Kid's State Dinner" at the White House Historical Association website.
Epicurious is a Condé Nast Publications digital brand for consumers interested in food and cooking. It is a food writing website that was launched in 1995.
