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Chartwells K12's Chili Days: Bringing Warmth to School Lunches

As the chill of winter approaches, Chartwells K12 is excited to unveil their latest initiative, Chili Days Warm Bellies, aimed at heating up school cafeterias across the United States. Running from November 3 to February 1, this limited-time offering is designed not only to satisfy students' appetites but also to foster a sense of community and comfort through the beloved dish of chili.

Celebrating Tradition with a Modern Twist

Ashley Kakas, Senior Vice President of Marketing & Communications at Chartwells K12, emphasized the connection chili forges among families and generations. "Chili is more than just a meal; it's a tradition that connects families, communities, and generations," she stated. In that spirit, the Chili Days campaign will present a variety of signature recipes that cater to today’s diverse student palates.

The campaign embraces the classic chili while also introducing innovative menu items rich in flavor and variety. The heart of this initiative revolves around ensuring that every student has an exciting culinary experience while enjoying the warmth and comfort of a hearty meal.

Diverse Menu Offerings

Chartwells has curated an impressive selection of over 100 chili-inspired recipes that will appeal to various tastes and dietary preferences. Here’s a sneak peek at some standout offerings:

Cozy Classics

Among the featured dishes are hearty chili bowls, offering robust flavors designed to satisfy any hunger. From Classic Beef Kidney Bean Chili to a regionally favorite Colorado Pork Chili, each bowl serves as a soul-warming delight aimed at energizing students for their school day.

Fun with Flavor

For those students seeking a fun twist, Chili Totchos take center stage. This lively dish combines crispy tater tots with zesty chili and melty cheese. Another exciting option is the Tex Mex Chili Mac, a flavorful combination of seasoned chili, pasta, and cheese that adds a dynamic flair to the cafeteria menu.

Plant-Powered Comfort

Vegetarian students can also partake in this delightful offering with the Vegetarian Three Bean Chili, proving that one can indulge in comforting dishes without meat while still enjoying intense flavors.

Global Inspirations

With a philosophy of exploring culinary diversity, Chili Days reaches beyond traditional offerings. Students can embark on a global culinary journey with recipes like Pork Pozole from Mexico, Tikka Masala from India, and Asopao de Pollo from the Caribbean, bringing a taste of the world to their plates.

A Campaign of Flavor and Comfort

Chef Peter Gilhooly, Senior Vice President of Culinary Services at Chartwells K12, highlighted the campaign's intent, stating, "Students crave both comfort and creativity when it comes to food, and Chili Days delivers exactly that." This initiative is an extension of the successful Dip'n to Flavor campaign launched earlier in the fall, reinforcing Chartwells' commitment to innovating school meal offerings.

Community Engagement

The Chili Days campaign is more than just about serving food; it aims to create a vibrant culinary environment in schools. By encouraging students to try new flavors alongside their favorites, Chartwells hopes to cultivate a joy for eating among young people, making the cafeteria a welcoming space for all.

For more than 17,000 associates operating in 4,500 schools, Chartwells K12 continues to embody excellence in nutrition and culinary innovation, emphasizing the importance of well-balanced, delicious meals. With the goal of ensuring students leave the cafeteria happier and healthier, Chartwells K12 invites schools to participate in this delightful campaign and warm their hearts with the richness of chili this winter.

For additional details or to explore the menus, visit www.ChartwellsK12.com.