Chef Ann Foundation

Chef Ann Foundation We get schools cooking. We've reached 19,000 schools in all 50 states, bringing better meals to 5.9 million kids.

Founded in 2009 by Chef Ann Cooper, a pioneer in the fields of school food reform and childhood nutrition, Chef Ann Foundation believes that every child deserves access to fresh healthy food every day so that they can establish healthy eating habits to last a lifetime. We think the greatest impact can be had through changing school food. By providing school communities with tools, training, resour

ces and funding, we enable schools to create healthier food and redefine lunchroom environments. To date, we've reached over 16,000 schools and 4.4 million children in all 50 states.

School cafeterias are one of the nation’s largest food providers — the scale of school food creates a unique opportunity...
05/24/2026

School cafeterias are one of the nation’s largest food providers — the scale of school food creates a unique opportunity to drive meaningful environmental change.

We’re excited to share a glimpse into the story of our CEO, Mara Fleishman, and her journey to advocate for fresh, healt...
05/23/2026

We’re excited to share a glimpse into the story of our CEO, Mara Fleishman, and her journey to advocate for fresh, healthy school meals for all kids!

Mara’s journey started when she noticed a highly processed French toast stick on her daughter’s lunch tray. That moment showed her that our school food system was failing children and needed to change.

Mara applied her innovative business background to lead the Chef Ann Foundation, turning her personal mission into a national movement for systems change. https://ow.ly/4erw50Z3mNH

05/22/2026

When schools adopt a scratch cooking model that uses whole, fresh ingredients, the result isn’t just healthier meals — it’s a healthier planet.

Bring a BBQ Twist to School Meals 🔥We partnered with the Alabama Department of Education to create kid-approved recipes ...
05/19/2026

Bring a BBQ Twist to School Meals 🔥

We partnered with the Alabama Department of Education to create kid-approved recipes featuring Southern barbecue favorites!

Find these and more scratch-cooked ideas for your school menu or to whip up at home on The Lunch Box: https://ow.ly/n6vX50Z1gqG

As the school year comes to an end, schools can use our preventive maintenance calendar to identify equipment that needs...
05/18/2026

As the school year comes to an end, schools can use our preventive maintenance calendar to identify equipment that needs cleaning, shutting down, or repair over the summer months. The calendar is available in English and Spanish.

Download the calendar here: https://ow.ly/BNnb50Z0n2a

05/17/2026

Even small changes can make a big difference. 💡

Hear from Jackie Cruz, director of food and nutrition services at Brownsville Independent School District, as she offers tips for school districts looking to start scratch-cooking.

“Scratch cooking is the vehicle of change.” 🚛🥗Our CEO Mara Fleishman was recently featured by NPR discussing the future ...
05/16/2026

“Scratch cooking is the vehicle of change.” 🚛🥗

Our CEO Mara Fleishman was recently featured by NPR discussing the future of school meals. As the MAHA movement brings national attention to what’s on our children’s lunch trays, Mara reminds us that ensuring school food professionals have the resources they need to cook from scratch is how we get ultraprocessed foods off school menus.

By focusing on whole ingredients, schools can:
✅ Reduce sugars, sodium, preservatives, and other additives
✅ Source more food from local farmers
✅ Serve delicious, nutrient-dense meals kids actually love

Check out the full story on NPR! 🎧 https://ow.ly/c3MV50Z0jwg

We are proud to stand alongside a powerful coalition of organizations endorsing the Universal School Meals Program Act o...
05/15/2026

We are proud to stand alongside a powerful coalition of organizations endorsing the Universal School Meals Program Act of 2026, introduced by Bernie Sanders and Rep. Ilhan Omar.

This bill is about so much more than free lunch! It’s a big step toward a healthier school food system. Here’s why we’re all in:

✅ Takes away the stress of school meal debt for families and schools.

✅ Encourages schools to buy local, supporting farmers and bringing fresher food to the cafeteria.

✅ Helps schools afford fresh ingredients and the talented staff who make healthy meals happen.

It’s time to ensure equity of access and give our school food professionals the resources they need to cook from scratch.

05/15/2026

Happy 🍽!

This week, we are shining a spotlight on the DCSD's partnership with the Chef Ann Foundation.

Through this partnership, our district has made marked advancements in kitchen equipment, quality of ingredients, training for food service staff, and more!

This school year, we hosted a group of school food professionals from around the country as part of the Chef Ann Healthy School Food Pathway Fellowship.

We also had the honor of a visit from Pennsylvania Senator Ciresi, who visited Dryden specifically to observe our kitchen staff in action, to help shape legislation aimed at expanding and supporting scratch cooking in schools.

These are just some examples of , and our vision to be the school district others strive to become.

Visit https://www.dryden.k12.ny.us/page/chef-ann-partnership to learn more.

05/14/2026

⏰ 24 HOURS LEFT TO APPLY!

Transitioning to scratch cooking doesn't happen overnight, and we meet schools exactly where they are! 🏫🍎

At the Starting From Scratch Intensive, you'll work with school food experts like our Senior Director of West Coast Operations, Stephanie Lip. She'll help your district pinpoint its current position on the scratch-cooking continuum and map out a plan to prepare recipes from scratch.

Apply now: https://bit.ly/4bLAbh5

Since 2009, the Chef Ann Foundation has reached 5.9 million students in all 50 states on our march toward fresher, healt...
05/13/2026

Since 2009, the Chef Ann Foundation has reached 5.9 million students in all 50 states on our march toward fresher, healthier, and tastier school meals for all kids.

Join us on a road trip to explore school food change across the country.

First stop: MICHIGAN 👋

Schools & organizations featured:

American Heart Association
Countryside Academy
Detroit Black Community Food Sovereignty Network
Dexter Community Schools (Dread Strong)
Detroit Public Schools Community District
Eastern Market Partnership
Food Agriculture Research and Manufacturing Accelerator (MSU Product Center)
Keep Growing Detroit
Food Bank Council of Michigan
Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities
Lakeview School District
Lincoln Park Public Schools
Melvindale-North Allen Park School District
Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Michigan Department of Education
Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems
Muskegon Area Intermediate School District
Montague Area Public Schools
School Nutrition Association of Michigan (SNAM)
Shelby Public Schools
Superior Central Schools
Wayne State University Labor School
Zeeland Public Schools

Address

1495 Canyon Boulevard, Ste Main
Boulder, CO
80302

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+17205002112

Website

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