Chartwells Higher Education Earns Top Hermes Honors for Breakthrough Campus Dining Concepts
Chartwells Higher Education earned multiple honors in the 2026 Hermes Creative Awards for breakthrough dining
read moreMore Than a Meal: How Chartwells Higher Education Fueled the Heart and Spirit of the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games
During the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, the University of Minnesota Twin Cities transformed into a vibrant hub of athletic excellence, joy, and community. Behind the scenes, the campus dining team, operating as M Food Co. and powered by Chartwells Higher Education, turned nearly two years of meticulous planning into a demonstration of care and connection.
“An event of this magnitude requires incredible logistics, but our primary focus was bringing a sense of heart and genuine care to the table,” said Justin Anderson, Senior Executive Chef, Chartwells Higher Education at the University of Minnesota. “Working hand-in-hand with the Special Olympics team and the university, we designed every detail, from performance-driven menus to allergen-safe kitchens, to ensure the athletes felt celebrated, safe, and at home. We didn’t just serve meals; we built a community around dining.”
Across the entire campus, dining was transformed into a celebration. A massive, high-volume operation became a warm, unforgettable home base for 3,000 athletes, 1,500 coaches, and 75,000 fans on campus. From performance-driven menus to impromptu dance parties, the team proved that food has the power to create confidence and a sense of home.
Hospitality By the Numbers
Executing an event of this magnitude required a monumental effort and cross-country collaboration. Chartwells brought in experienced team members from nearby campuses, along with support from Compass Group sister company Levy.
Together, the team coordinated a logistical masterpiece over just nine days of nonstop service, serving 110,713 total meals across 15 locations through 1,600 dedicated dining volunteers, with 54 catering deliveries made to pop-up locations to keep food fresh and flowing and 3,000 miles walked by leadership to oversee the operation.
Fueling Performance and Safety Through Culinary Inclusivity
Chartwells’ expert culinarians collaborated with the Special Olympics and the University of Minnesota to design specialized, athletic-performance-driven menus that offer balanced, nutrient-rich meals to keep athletes fueled throughout the Games. Menus also featured inclusive meals that catered to every dining need and preference, including allergen-free items served at Pure Eats stations across dining centers. As the 2026 Games began, the team constantly adjusted to fuel athletes, coaches, volunteers, officials, and an ESPN crew, even providing customized meals to ensure every diner had safe, nutritious options.
Beyond the Menu: Moments That Made It Personal
“The University of Minnesota and its dining team were integral to the success of the athletes, coaches, and Heads of Delegation,” said Amy Keran, Director of Contract Administration, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. “Chartwells made dining not just a meal, but a place to celebrate every single athlete, each and every day.”
Even after the competition was over, the spirit of care continued. Chartwells and M Food Co. donated enough leftover food to feed nearly 4,000 neighbors in the local Minneapolis community, an impact that extended far beyond campus borders.
By the end of the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, the story wasn’t just about how many meals were served. It was about a culinary team that showed up ready to adjust, problem-solve, and celebrate every single person who walked through the door. Chartwells and M Food Co. created an environment of confidence, inclusion, and joy, building a true sense of home through food.
