From NFL Training Camps to Special Olympics: How Chartwells Higher Education Feeds Champions

• Chartwells is setting a new standard for how colleges and universities fuel student-athletes
• From performance-driven menus to complex event operations, Chartwells builds dining models around the athletes, teams and campuses it serves
• Beyond the field, Chartwells supports athletes through every stage of their seasons with expert sports dietitians and even NIL campaigns to promote personal brands

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Chartwells Higher Education is redefining what it means to feed athletes across higher education and beyond. From college football training tables and NIL-powered campus dining campaigns to NFL training camps and the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, Chartwells is creating athlete dining models that are performance-driven, operationally complex and deeply personal to the people and communities they serve.

"Our approach to fueling champions centers on creating experiences and developing supportive environments where students and athletes feel welcomed and genuinely cared for," said Eva Wojtalewski, CEO of Chartwells Higher Education. "Whether it's game day or the Special Olympics, tailored nutrition and personal connection are at the heart of how we help our partners build thriving communities. We're proud to set a new standard for how customized foodservice can drive athletic achievement."

High Stakes Game Day Agility
Fueling top-tier athletic teams requires nutrition expertise, culinary range and operational flexibility at scale. At the University of Miami, Chartwells supports the Hurricanes football team throughout the season, including the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship. High-volume athlete nutrition menus feature proteins like salmon, steak and lamb chops along with fruits, vegetables, smoothies and customizable stations designed to support performance and recovery. Beyond campus, Chartwells culinary teams also travel with players and coaches, helping deliver consistency on the road while adapting in real time to changing schedules, locations and team needs.

Pioneering NIL in Campus Dining
Chartwells is also helping student-athletes connect performance, food and personal brand. At the University of Pittsburgh, Chartwells partnered with Pitt to launch the first Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) campaign in the foodservice sector. Chartwells' "Powered By" menu sponsorship program allows student-athletes to feature performance-focused menu items, with athletes from the women's volleyball team even designing their own dishes. The NIL program connects the student body with the same active nutrition through Fuel Like a Champion campaigns.

Inclusive Culinary Excellence at Scale
Chartwells demonstrated the heart and power of inclusive hospitality at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, hosted at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Operating as M Food Co., Chartwells coordinated a massive nine-day operation, serving 110,000 meals to 3,000 athletes, 1,500 coaches and 75,000 fans across 15 locations. Featuring special athletic-performance menus, allergen-free items and customized meals, Chartwells ensured every athlete felt nourished and celebrated. The operation featured pop-up catering across campus and donated thousands of leftover meals to local Minneapolis community organizations.

Powering NFL Training Camps
Each summer, Chartwells supports St. John Fisher University in serving as the home base for the Buffalo Bills during training camp. The dining team supports the fast-moving demands of an NFL operation, serving players, coaches and team personnel while also providing concessions for thousands of fans attending public practices. Behind the scenes, menus, service schedules and staffing adapt daily to training demands, recovery needs and changing practice schedules.

Dining also plays an important role beyond physical performance. Bills players have described the cafeteria and shared meals as central to building camaraderie during camp, including "breaking bread together" and spending time together over dinner. It is a powerful example of how campus dining environments can help teams connect, recharge and prepare for the season.

Between all the big moments throughout the year, Chartwells also feeds champions every day at campuses across the country. For example, culinary stations around the Razorback Sports Nutrition Center at the University of Arkansas offer customized options throughout the day. Sports dietitians adjust menus and portions as training cycles shift so athletes can fuel appropriately for competitions or recovery.

Through programs such as Performance Circle and tailored student-athlete dining models, Chartwells continues to elevate the standard for athletic nutrition and professional support on campus communities nationwide.

About Chartwells Higher Education
Chartwells is the recognized leader in contract foodservice management, hospitality, and guest service at more than 320 colleges and universities across the United States. Chartwells delivers "Dining, Made Personal" through quality, craveable food and dining programs tailored to each campus and designed around real student life. With signature service and meaningful connections, Chartwells partners with institutions to co-create campus experiences that make students and guests feel seen and welcomed.

SOURCE Chartwells Higher Education