Chartwells Introduces Mood Boost Program

Emerging research has shown that the foods we eat the most often may have an effect on how we feel, not just physically, but mentally. To help students learn what foods may help them feel their personal best, Chartwells is launching a new program, called Mood Boost. Mood Boost aims to help students make the connection between what they eat and how they feel.

Designed for elementary- and middle-school students by the foodservice provider’s Culinary Innovation Council, Mood Boost brings new lunch menus, fun activities and a collection of characters called “Moodies” into the cafeteria.

When eaten regularly, Mood Boost foods–especially nutrient rich fruit and vegetables–can help to elevate a person’s mood and enhance their sense of wellbeing. These foods contain vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that communicate with our brain to support personal characteristics. This innovative program will focus on six categories of moods: Alert, Calm, Confident, Happy, Smart and Strong. These categories have the strongest body of emerging scientific evidence of how a healthy eating pattern that includes these foods on a regular basis may support these feelings of wellbeing.  

On February 3, 2023–beginning at Overlook Elementary School–the cafeteria team launched the seven-week Mood Boost program with an interactive event where students could taste new menu items to help them understand how healthy foods and nutrients can positively impact their wellbeing. The next six weeks of the program across Abington elementary schools will include:

• The “Moodies”, a series of six fun and engaging characters to help younger students recognize their different moods: Alert, Calm, Confident, Happy, Smart, and Strong.
• A weekly emphasis on one mood, prominently featuring delicious new recipes on the menu with mood-boosting ingredients that support a healthy eating pattern, which can improve how students feel. For example, Raspberries with Chocolate and Basil (Alert); Broccoli Salad with Raisins (Calm); Strawberry Avocado Smoothie (Confident); Citrus Chickpea Salad (Happy); Red Kidney Bean Hummus (Smart); and Portuguese Style Pork Bowl (Strong).
• Collectible giveaways, such as Moodies trading cards, which feature key ingredients, food facts, and recipes that kids and families can make at home to help bring the Mood Boost program outside of the café and remind students to choose healthy foods all day long.
• Materials to inform and educate parents/guardians and students about Mood Boost and encourage participation in the program. 

For nearly a year, Chartwells chefs and dietitians worked together to create Mood Boost, part of the team’s effort to create a fun food environment to ensure that students leave the cafeteria happier and healthier than when they came in. For more information, visit https://www.chartwellsk12.com/mood-boost-launch.