The Cook for Change Challenge (CFCC) – Season 3, organized by the Veruschka Foundation in collaboration with Caritas Goa, concluded successfully, marking its largest and most impactful edition to date. 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 enthusiastic participation from 17 contestants. After a rigorous selection process, four participants advanced to the national finale: al
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.
Each finalist was supported by dedicated mentors who played a crucial role in guiding them throughout the competition.
At the grand finale, which brought together 16 finalists from across India, Goa emerged with a proud achievement. Poonam Vaman Gaonkar secured 2nd place nationally with her innovative and delicious Ragi Halwa, earning widespread appreciation from the jury. She was supported by Fr. Savio Fernandes.
1st Place – Manali Sarmalkar and Anuradha Kumbhar (Navkshitij, Pune)
2nd Place – Poonam Vaman Gaonkar and Fr. Savio Fernandes (Goa)
3rd Place – Nandini Ladhani (Mumbai)
The competition was judged by an esteemed panel of hospitality professionals including Chef Altamash Patel, Mrs. Alyona Kapoor and Chef Yogesh Utekar, who evaluated participants on taste, presentation, creativity and teamwork. Season 3 was made possible through the generous support of our CSR and philanthropic partners — Alka and Bharat Puri (Shubh Arambh Foundation), Bajaj Finserv CSR, Kamal Udwadia Foundation, Rich Products & Solutions Pvt Ltd, Tata Consumer Products, Mr. Madhukumar Nair and Mr. Rajkamal Tiwari (Union Mutual Fund), Mr. Sudhir Shenoy (Able Together Foundation), Mr. Rakesh Damani, SVP India and Ms. Meghna Jaishankar, ILSS whose belief in inclusion helped create a national platform for persons with disabilities in culinary arts.
The participation and success of Goa’s finalists highlight the impactful work carried out by Caritas Goa and St. Francis Xaviers Training Centre for Children with Disabilities Old Goa in promoting inclusion and empowerment. Cook for Change Challenge is a national-level inclusive culinary competition that provides a platform for persons with disabilities to showcase their talents, develop skills, and gain recognition in mainstream hospitality.
