Delaware County girl is one of Food Network’s 'Star Kids’

Starting next week, a new Food Network show will feature a young Delaware County girl competing against nine other contestants for a chance at her own series on the network, as well as a profile in Food Network magazine.

Sydnie Jaye Meyers, 9, of Drexel Hill, will compete against nine other culinary-minded young'uns on Food Network Star Kids beginning Monday, Aug. 22 at 8 p.m. The show will air six episodes, ending with the crowning of the first Food Network Star Kids champion.

But Meyers, a recent transplant to the Philadelphia area from Austin, Texas, is still getting used to seeing herself on television.

"I'm like, 'Oh my god, it's not real," she says of seeing herself on promos for the show. "Especially because it's new and I haven't seen myself on TV before. The first time a commercial came on, my grandma and aunt were there and they just kept cheering. I'm like, 'Stop it!'"

Meyers says she and her family moved to Drexel Hill late last year to be closer to doctors at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, who several years ago performed surgery on the youngster for medical problems stemming from a bout with cancer she went through as an infant. Getting closer to family, who helped inspire Meyers' love of cooking starting at the age of three, was also a consideration.

"I like to express myself in food and also be in charge in the kitchen without my mom telling me what to do," Meyers says. "It's a place for me to be me."

With an early start in the kitchen and a love for cooking shows on her side, Meyers says that the most difficult part about Food Network Star Kids has been simply being on camera, which is a "new talent" for her.

"At home, I don't talk when I'm cooking," she says. "I always have my head down, looking at the food. I'm pretty quiet unless I cut myself, which is not normal."

Food Network Star Kids will feature hosting from actress Tia Mowry of Sister Sister fame, as well as food photographer and writer Donal Skehan. Special guests judges including comedian Loni Love, YouTube stars Elise Strachan and Gabriel Conte, and Jungle Book star Neel Sethi will also make appearances.

Meyers' run on Food Network Star Kids marks yet another appearance from a local chef on the station this year. Earlier this month, young Lucy Chelton of Bucks County competed on Chopped Junior, which was preceded by an appearance by Philly chef Sylva Senat on Chopped, Havertown's Dan Langan on Spring Baking Championship, and Camden's Timothy Witcher on Chopped earlier this year.