Chartwells K12 understands that creating a successful school dining program requires more than meeting nutritional requirements. It requires understanding what students want to eat and creating an experience that makes them want to participate.
The company’s approach is built around a food-forward philosophy that combines culinary creativity, nutrition expertise, and a strong connection with school communities. Jonathan Squibb, Director of Communications at Chartwells K12, explained that the company’s focus is on providing meals students enjoy while supporting school districts as long-term partners.
“We spend time looking at food trends, both inside schools and across the broader marketplace, to understand what kids are craving and what they want to eat on a day-to-day basis,” Squibb says.
Chartwells studies changing food preferences to develop menus that reflect what students are experiencing outside of school. From bolder flavors to more diverse options, the company works to make school meals feel current rather than predictable.
Creating Cafeterias Students Want to Visit
Chartwells believes the dining environment plays an important role in student engagement. While food remains the foundation, the company also focuses on the people serving students and the spaces where meals are enjoyed.
The company brings together chefs, registered dietitians, and school-based teams to create dining experiences that feel welcoming. According to Chartwells, the attitude and commitment of cafeteria staff can influence how students view their meals. When team members take pride in serving students and being part of the school community, that connection becomes noticeable.
Beyond service, Chartwells works with districts to improve cafeteria spaces through design choices such as updated layouts, different seating options, and environments that feel more similar to dining spaces students may encounter after graduation.
Listening Before Creating
Student feedback is a key part of how Chartwells develops its menus. Through its Student Choice program, students can sample new recipes and vote on the items they would like to see added to school menus. Sampling events provide another opportunity to understand whether a meal will appeal to students before it becomes part of regular service.
The company also gathers broader insights through market research focused on Generation Z and Generation Alpha. By studying what young consumers choose at home and in restaurants, Chartwells identifies trends that can be adapted for school settings.
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We spend time looking at food trends, both inside schools and across the broader marketplace, to understand what kids are craving and what they want to eat on a day-to-day basis.
Its School Meals Report Card program expands that feedback process by collecting input from parents, school staff, and students. These insights help the company understand what is working and where improvements can be made.
Connecting Nutrition with Student Success
Nutrition remains a major part of Chartwells’ work. The company’s culinary teams and dietitians collaborate to create meals that follow USDA and state requirements while still delivering the flavors students enjoy.
Programs such as Nutrition: Game On!, Global Eats, and Power Up help students understand the connection between food choices and everyday performance. Whether students are participating in sports, performing arts, or classroom activities, Chartwells aims to help them recognize how nutrition supports their goals.
The company also uses data to strengthen menu decisions. By tracking participation across schools and regions, Chartwells identifies popular items and uses those insights to improve future offerings.
Building Inclusive Dining Programs
Supporting students with food allergies and dietary needs is another important part of Chartwells’ approach. Every associate receives annual food allergy training, and the company follows certified practices to help ensure safe meal preparation.
When students require individual accommodations, Chartwells works directly with families and school teams to create meal plans that meet their needs. The goal is to help students participate fully in the cafeteria experience while giving families confidence that their children are supported.
As school dining continues to change, Chartwells sees opportunities to keep improving menus, experiences, and partnerships with districts. The company recognizes that schools face increasing competition for student participation, especially where students have access to off-campus dining options.
By continuing to focus on food quality, affordability, nutrition, and student preferences, Chartwells aims to make school meals a meaningful part of the student experience. Its approach reflects a simple idea: when students enjoy their meals and feel connected to their cafeteria, the entire school community benefits.
