NT BUZZ
The Cook for Change Challenge (CFCC) – Season 3, organised by the Veruschka Foundation in collaboration with Caritas Goa, concluded recently. The initiative continues to promote inclusion, creativity, and empowerment through culinary arts for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as individuals with speech and hearing impairments.
This year’s competition expanded across regional rounds held in Mumbai, Bangalore, Goa, and Pune, culminating in a grand national finale in Mumbai. Participants were evaluated across four themed rounds: Traditional Dish, Zero Waste, Star Ingredient, and Millet Challenge — designed to test culinary skills, innovation, and sustainability awareness.
The Goa regional round witnessed participation from 17 contestants. Four participants advanced to the national finale: Franky Topno, Poonam Vaman Gaonkar, Nevelia Lobo, and Elvin D’Souza. They were supported by Ashita Abraham, Fr. Savio Fernandes, Sr. Maya Wagle and Sadira Pereira respectively. They represented institutions including St. Francis Xavier’s Training Centre for Children with Disabilities and Divya Sadan, Caritas Goa Home for Adults
with Disabilities.
At the grand finale, brought together 16 finalists from across India, in which PoonamVamanGaonkar secured second place nationally with her Ragi Halwa. She was supported by Fr. Savio Fernandes.
The competition was judged by panel of hospitality professionals including Chef Altamash Patel, Alyona Kapoor and Chef Yogesh Utekar, who evaluated participants on taste, presentation, creativity
and teamwork.
