WI Chili Lunch
Wisconsin Chili Lunch
Celebrate Wisconsin-grown foods with a Chili Lunch event on February’s National Chili Day.
40,781
bowls of chili served in 2025
183
locations participated in 2025
Overview
The Wisconsin (WI) Chili Lunch is an annual event designed to promote healthy eating and support local agriculture in institutions like early care and education settings, schools, hospitals, and community-based organizations. Institutions across the state prepare and serve chili made with locally sourced ingredients, encouraging diners to appreciate fresh, local produce and fostering connections between schools and local farmers. This event highlights the importance of nutritious meals in educational settings and supports Wisconsin’s agricultural community by boosting demand for local products.
The WI Chili Lunch is part of a broader initiative to improve school nutrition and food education. By participating on February 26 (or any day in February!), schools can enhance their meal programs, offer students delicious and nutritious meals, and contribute to the local economy. The event is supported by various educational and agricultural organizations dedicated to promoting healthy eating habits and local food systems.
Whom We Serve
Ways We Help
Provide resources for sourcing local ingredients
Offer recipe ideas and meal planning support
Connect schools with local farmers
Support educational activities about healthy eating and local food systems
How it Works
Register
Organizations or individuals register to participate in the WI Chili Lunch event.
Receive Support
Organizations or individuals access resources and support to source local ingredients and plan their chili recipes.
Prepare and Serve
Organizations or individuals prepare and serve chili to participants, incorporating educational activities about local agriculture.
Collect Feedback
Feedback and impact reports are collected to improve future events and enhance community connections.
Success & Impact
Quick Links
Get Involved
Register Your School or Organization for the WI Chili Lunch
Check out the Wisconsin Chili Lunch Facebook Page with photos from previous events
Contact Us
If you have any questions regarding this program in Wisconsin, please contact us through the info below:
Sarah Schwab
Communications Specalist, Health and Well-Being Institute
If you would like more information for farmers and/or about institutional procurement, please contact us through the info below:
Cathryn Herlihey
Farm to Institution Specialist
Other Programs You May Like
Great Apple Crunch
Crunch into an apple during National Farm to School Month to celebrate local producers and promote local fresh food and healthy eating.
Harvest of the Month
Promoting seasonal Wisconsin produce on school menus to encourage kids and families to eat more fruits and veggies.
FoodWIse
Promoting healthy habits for families with low-income.
