Kids in West Brighton dish out creativity in a contest unlike any other, in one Staten Island YMCA. NY1's Reena Diamante filed the following report. 

Young Staten Islanders are tapping into their imaginations, by taking fresh foods and turning them into edible concoctions.

"A double decker turkey sandwich," is one meal a competitor said he made.

"I made a fruit s’more," said one student.

"A lava volcano snack," said another.

It’s all part of the first "Kids Cooking and Etiquette Competition" at the Broadway YMCA in West Brighton.

The challenge for these 4-to 11-year-olds is to take three to five FOOD items and make a meal that looks as good as it tastes.

"I am making cucumbers with raisins, strawberry fans on the side and yogurt," said one participant. 

"It’s called a turn-that-frown-upside down snack. It has a smiley face made from oranges and raisins," said another.  

Angela Marie Franco hosted the contest, Saturday. She teaches a culinary class for children every week at the 'Y,' all for free.

Franco says her focus is to educate kids about making nutritional meals without a stove, microwave or any other heating elements.  

"This way the children are learning to make better choices through their food. They don’t have to have cereal and milk every day," Franco said. "They can be creative with their food and make something delicious for themselves and their friends."

The 20, or so, competitors, say they’ started opting for the healthy alternatives.

"I gave up cereal, regular toast, now we have ‘Ezekiel’ toast in the house and for breakfast every morning we have fruit," said one young New Yorker.

"It makes you stronger and it also is good for your body. It helps you grow, too," another said. 

Through the competition, kids are learning table manners and etiquette, the ingredients they need to grow. Parents say they are already seeing a difference.

"She’s becoming more independent," said one parent. "I think that this gives her the opportunity to learn how feed herself and take care of herself and also to care for other people, as well."

"Organization and them just loving healthy foods," said one mother. "At home they would never try any of these things."

After seeing positive changes, the Broadway YMCA says all these kids are going to come out as top chef.