Chartwells K12 and South Bend Schools Deliver Summer Fun and Fuel Through Discovery Kitchen in the Park

Community

The Chartwells K12 team leveled up summer meals by bringing food, fun, and nutrition education to South Bend parks

This summer, the Chartwells K12 team at South Bend Schools in Indiana transformed the traditional meal program into a vibrant community celebration. Through a series of six interactive “Discovery Kitchen in the Park” events, the team brought music, food, and fun directly to children across the district, all while reinforcing the importance of nutritious eating with FIT: Fuel, Ignite, Thrive, the exciting Discovery Kitchen theme coming to school cafeterias around the country this fall.

Held throughout June and July, each Discovery Kitchen in the Park event embraced a unique music genre to set the tone and incorporated chef-led cooking demonstrations, activity stations, and tasting samples that highlighted the FIT philosophy. The events aimed to teach kids how to fuel their bodies with the right foods to thrive academically, athletically, and socially.

Across city parks and community centers, each event brought a new energy to summer meals with a rotating lineup of music-inspired themes. From a pop-themed picnic with popcorn and slushie treats to a rocking afternoon of pizza bagels and scavenger hunts, each gathering blended fun activities, interactive chef demos, and delicious tastings to create an unforgettable experience centered around wellness and community.

The summer event series offered a sneak peek into what’s coming to school cafeterias this fall. Starting in September, students across South Bend will experience FIT firsthand through Discovery Kitchen activities that showcase how nutrient-rich foods support performance and well-being. Whether it’s helping student athletes push toward peak performance or teaching kids how to navigate busy school days, FIT aims to empower all students with knowledge and food experiences that help them stay energized, focused, and confident.

As kids head back to school, the momentum from summer will carry forward in cafeterias with hands-on events that continue to make healthy eating fun, flavorful, and educational.

Interested in bringing Discovery Kitchen to your school? Click “Get Started!” at the top of this page.