Organizers said the goal was to encourage an enthusiasm for learning, a spirit of teamwork and a sense of community among students enrolled in nutrition programs at colleges and universities throughout Southern California.

"Most of the teams are made up of seniors and this is sort of a capstone of their four years of study. In many ways, we're testing what they've learned in class and seeing if they understand it," said Claudia Fajardo-Lira, a professor in CSUN's Family Environmental Sciences Department and one of the bowl's organizers.

The competition will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Marilyn Magaram Center in Sequoia Hall near the center of the campus at 18111 Nordhoff St. in Northridge.

Contestants from as far away as Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and San Diego State University will be quizzed on their knowledge of such topics as vitamins and minerals, carbohydrates and fats, food service management, metabolism and all other aspects of nutrition.

The winning team will be awarded $1,000, with an additional $100 to its student association. The second place team will receive $500, with $100 to its student association. The third place team will get $250, with $100 to its student association.

The first place team will also receive a trophy to display at their home campus until next year's competition.