Chartwells

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Chartwells is a foodservice provider for many schools, colleges and universities throughout North America. It operates through a number of companies such as Chartwells Educational Foodservices Inc. and Chartwells Educational Dining Services, all subsidiaries of international foodservice conglomerate Compass Group.

Many schools (or school boards) choose to have Chartwells take care of cafeteria service rather than administer it on their own, for administrative purposes or for financial reasons. However, schools typically only have one cafeteria, which causes a monopoly situation, allowing prices to increase and, potentially, quality to decrease.

Chartwells' food is typically consistent across schools, presumably to save money. One popular item is Pizza Pi, small individual pizzas. Many university locations serve Ritazza coffee.

Recently the group has attempted to defend itself against possible concerns about its food's nutritional value by introducing the "Balanced Choices" brand, highlighting healthier food options, albeit without getting rid of other, potentially unhealthy options.

[edit] Criticism

This does not adequately cite its references or sources.
Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. (help, get involved!)
This article has been tagged since June 2006.

Some allege that Chartwells products are of low quality compared with other options, including other fast food restaurants. Among these allegations are: diluting spaghetti sauce with water to increase its volume, "mashed potatoes" with a powdery taste, and partially-frozen milk.

Other students, particularly at Northeastern University in Boston, MA, have become concerned that Chartwells purchases bulk foods from manufactures who use preservatives that may serve the same purpose as a laxative. Students who are frustrated with the decreased quality of the somewhat expensive food ($13.50 per meal) and are rapidly joining the "Stop the Movement! Movement."

The U.S. National Education Association has compiled a number of alleged health and labour incidents associated with Chartwells and other private foodservice operators; the organization opposes privatized support services in schools.