Does your child have skills at the stove? It could be his or her ticket to a special dinner at the White House. First Lady Michelle Obama, in partnership with the food website Epicurious.com, the U.S. Department of Education, and the Department of Agriculture, kicked off this week the second nationwide recipe contest to encourage children to make healthier food choices.

The Healthy Lunchtime Challenge is for kids ages 8 to 12 and their parents or guardians to create nutritious, tasty and affordable lunch recipes representing each of the food groups. The prize is an invitation to sample some of the winning entries at White House kids' "state dinner" to be held this summer.

"Last year's kids state dinner was one of my favorite events we’ve ever done for Let’s Move! because it perfectly captured how young people, parents, community leaders and businesses can come together for innovative, healthy solutions," said the first lady. "Last year's young chefs impressed and inspired me with their creativity, and I can’t wait to welcome a whole new group to the White House this summer and taste their creations. So kids, let's get cooking!"

The deadline to submit recipes is May 12 online at recipechallenge.epicurious.com or via mail addressed to: The Healthy Lunchtime Challenge, c/o Epicurious.com, 1166 Avenue of the Americas, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10036. Click here for official rules and other information about the contest.

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(Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images)