Tahlequah Public Schools is welcoming Chartwells as their new foodservice partner. For the 2024/2025 school year, the district will be participating in CEP (Community Eligibility Provision) where all students can enjoy 1free breakfast and 1free lunch every day. To sustain the CEP program, Chartwells is focusing on keeping meal participation high. To ensure this program continues, in the years ahead, student participation is key.
Adult Meal Prices and Second Meals for 2024/ 2025 are $2.50 for Breakfast and $5.00 for Lunch. All funds remaining in students accounts will carryover year after year and can be utilized on seconds, ice creams, and ala carte items.
Chartwells is committed to encouraging healthy eating habits and improving the school meal experience. Throughout the upcoming school year, Chartwells will introduce new menu options, gather feedback and implement enhancements to make mealtime even better. Additionally, a full-time executive chef will be dedicated to Tahlequah Public Schools. Students will have the opportunity to see the chef in action cooking behind the line. The chef will assist with training and staff development, coordinating special events and working to reduce food waste.
Chartwells’ team of chefs and dietitians plan to introduce more variety to cafeteria menus featuring kid-approved foods. New culinary concepts coming this fall include:
Revolution Noodle: Authentic broths are the foundation of this Asian noodle concept that features pho, ramen and dim sum.
Mac & Cheesyology: Custom macaroni and cheese with a wide variety of flavors, toppings and proteins will be sure to appeal to Tahlequah Public Schools students.
Discovery Kitchen is designed to ignite each student’s sense of adventure and discovery through engaging cooking opportunities, experiential learning activities and monthly promotions. This flagship program generates fun and fuels happiness in the cafeteria, the classroom and beyond.
Mood Boost encourages young students to identify, express and boost their mood by making the connection between what they eat and how they feel, both mentally and physically. Designed by Chartwells chefs and dietitians, the Mood Boost menu focuses on fruits and vegetables that boost one of six moods: happy, alert, calm, strong, confident and smart. Fun characters called moodies represent each mood, and collectible swag including trading cards serve as reminders of the lessons students have learned. A student could try an avocado strawberry smoothie at lunch and receive an “I am confident” wristband to remind them to make healthy choices.
We’re giving students a passport to authentic flavors from around the globe. Chartwells collaborated with celebrity chef partners to craft recipes and educational content to take Tahlequah students on a culinary adventure while teaching them about the countries and cultures associated with each dish. Students receive a sticker for their passport as they try items from each of the six stops: Mexico, Italy, India, China, Korea and the Caribbean. Those students craving more can continue their journey by exploring the Global Eats website featuring video demonstrations and activities.
Tasting and voting events amplify the student voice and demonstrate our commitment to serving food students love. Culinary concepts go head-to-head to see which one will make it on the menu. Will it be Big City BBQ’s pulled pork nachos or Bok Choy’s spicy chicken banh mi? Your students decide!
This is just the beginning; it’s more than just feeding students—it’s about supporting the whole community. By removing financial barriers, we're ensuring all students have access to breakfast and lunch. Encouraging your students to dine in the cafeteria is our main focus. Together, Tahlequah Public Schools and Chartwells will collaborate to prioritize student dining experiences.
Heidi Krueger, Child Nutrition Assistant Director