Chartwells K12 has launched Global Eats, a new program aimed at exposing students to different cuisines from around the world.
The program is coming to elementary, middle and high schools around the country this fall and will initially feature foods from China, India, Italy and Mexico.
Chartwells K12 teamed up with celebrity chefs who specialize in global cuisines to create the dishes representing each country. Celebrity Chef Jet Tila, for example, created a “Sichuan Style” Mapo Tofu, Dan Dan Noodles and Char Siu Pork to represent China, while cookbook author and the winner of the 6th season of The Next Food Network Star, Aarti Sequeira, developed recipes such as Tandoori Chicken, Beef Kofta Curry and Sweet Potato & Spinach Vindaloo to give students a taste of Indian cuisine.
In addition to trying the new dishes, students will get to learn about different cultures and enjoy chef demonstrations, tastings, videos activities and giveaways. At the elementary level, students will fill out Global Eats passports with stickers as they learn about food and traditions from various countries. High-schoolers will spend time learning about how different geographies and cultures influence a country’s food preferences and popular ingredients.
“Global Eats prioritizes what kids want—connection with others, a healthy planet and adventure,” Belinda Oakley, CEO of Chartwells K12, said in a statement. “We’re in a unique position where we have a front-row seat to the evolving preferences of kids, which allows us to continue building fun, educational, food-focused programs that create deeper bonds between classmates and friends—it’s how we’re making sure students leave the cafeteria happier and healthier than they came in.”