Lunch with a Side of Kindness: Chartwells K12 Celebrates School Lunch Heroes

In the News

National School Lunch Hero Day Recognizes Teams Serving up Happy and Healthy Across the Country

Get ready to raise your lunch trays and cheer, School Lunch Hero Day is almost here! It’s time to roll out the red carpet for the dedicated lunch ladies and men who tirelessly serve up delicious meals while creating welcoming cafeterias every day.

Chartwells K12 will celebrate National School Lunch Hero Day this Friday, May 2, to recognize its more than 18,000 chefs, dietitians, and food service workers serving over 2.2 million meals a day and making the cafeteria the happiest place in school. Feeding kids is a superpower for School Lunch Heroes, and Chartwells will honor associates with celebrations at their schools and special edition T-shirts.

“For many kids, lunchtime is the highlight of the day, offering a time of nourishment and connection,” said Amy Shaffer, CEO of Chartwells K12. “Thank you to our School Lunch Heroes who go beyond ensuring kids are fed and are dedicated to making the cafeteria a safe and welcoming place for kids and team members.”

See more of how Chartwells is celebrating their School Lunch Heroes in this video.

In addition to serving nutritious meals, School Lunch Heroes know the power of creating community and connection through food and in the cafeteria. Here’s a snapshot of how they’re welcoming students and fellow teammates across the country:

• DaVinci School District, CA: When the Chartwells staff at DaVinci teamed up with the school’s special needs program, they transformed the cafeteria into a dynamic learning hub. Here, students earn their California Food Handlers Certification and gain hands-on experience by preparing 300+ to-go bags each morning. This initiative is more than job training; it’s a vibrant program that fosters independence and opens doors for future career opportunities.
• Avondale School District, MI: The Chartwells team at Avondale partnered with the district to bring the farmers market experience directly to students by transforming the school grounds into a celebration of local produce and agriculture. From tastings and interactive farm-themed games to blender bike rides and photo ops, the market fostered a deeper appreciation for local farmers and strengthened the bond between students, educators, and the broader community.
• Dallastown Area School District, PA: Focused on creating a strong sense of belonging, the team at Dallastown partners with a local organization that provides meaningful employment and hands-on learning opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through the partnership, Chartwells associates use their unique skills and talents to benefit their community with roles that suit their strengths, from kitchen prep and serving meals to lending a hand wherever it’s needed.
• Florence 1 School District, SC: Recognizing the need for healthy and affordable meal options for teachers and staff, the Chartwells team at Florence 1 partnered with the district to create a free lunch program for all district employees three days a week. After launching the program this spring, they’re serving an average of 1,100 meals a day and making it easy for district staff to check a healthy lunch off their list.

Now in its 13th year, School Lunch Hero Day is a nationwide celebration honoring the incredible school nutrition professionals who ensure students receive nutritious meals every day.