WI Chili Lunch

Chili With Beans Homemade Chili Con Carne with Cheese Chili Con Carne Stock Photo

Wisconsin Chili Lunch

Celebrate Wisconsin-grown foods with a Chili Lunch event on February’s National Chili Day. 

Register for the Chili Lunch
Access Chili Lunch Resources

45,217

bowls of chili served in 2026

261

locations participated in 2026

Table of Contents

Overview

Whom We Serve

Ways We Help

How it Works

Quick Links

Get Involved

Contact Us

Share

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.

Young child eating Chili Con Carne with chips. Bowl is in focus. Stock Image.

Whom We Serve

Institutions interested in buying more local foods, boosting meal participation, and/or encouraging healthy eating.

Schools and early childhood educators interested in incorporating local produce into meals and educational activities.

Local farmers and producers interested in new wholesale market opportunities.

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

Cooking is fun! Photo of a group of children having fun during cooking class with a chef Child Stock Photo

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

Infographic titled "2026 WI Chili Lunch Snapshots" with the Wisconsin Chili Lunch logo. The central graphic features a large red bowl of chili with a spoon. The central statistic reads: 45,217 participants enjoyed a warm bowl of local chili. Four data sections are displayed using semicircle gauge graphics. Procurement: 85% purchased direct from a local farm; 62% would be interested in purchasing from a local farm in the future. Both figures are noted as reported by survey respondents. Participation: 58% had previously participated in the WI Chili Lunch; 81% used the provided marketing materials to advertise the event, as reported by survey respondents. Benefits: 52% developed or strengthened their relationship with a local grower; 31% increased education about local foods, healthy food, and/or nutrition, as reported by survey respondents. Four participant quotes appear in decorative text boxes: "What a way to warm the heart and soul! To teach children about locally grown foods – showing them hard work is rewarding to the belly and more!!" attributed to an ECC Educator at Bear Family Child Care; "I have very picky eaters, so when we made our chili, I had to blend everything together. I served it over whole-grain pasta. We had chili mac." attributed to a Food Service Director at Medford Area School District; "A great day to showcase Farm to School!" attributed to the Director of Onalaska Schools; and "We participate to help educate patients, guests, and staff about the local suppliers that we work with and highlight our plant-forward recipes." attributed to a Hospital respondent. The bottom banner reads: "WI Chili Lunch Grows Strong Communities!" with four illustrated icons and labels: Supports local farmers and food systems; Feature Wisconsin-grown ingredients; Brings communities together; Promotes healthy, sustainable eating.

Wisconsin Chili Lunch Guide

Discover Farm to School Month 

Learn more about farm to early care and education in Wisconsin 

Dig into Wisconsin Farm to School 

Get Involved

Register

Register Your School or Organization for the WI Chili Lunch

Follow us on Social Media

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

sarah.schwab@wisc.edu

 

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

cathryn.herlihey@wisc.edu

 

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