WILLMAR, Minn. — The makers of the Jennie-O® turkey brand have announced a partnership with esteemed chef, cookbook author and beloved TV personality Carla Hall to honor school cafeteria staff throughout the country by hosting School Cafeteria Takeovers in select cities during the next several months.
“This partnership with the Jennie-O brand is very special to me and really hits close to home because we are recognizing some of the hardest working people in school districts — those who prepare school breakfasts, lunches and after-school meals for kids — and are an essential part of the school day. I know how incredibly hard they work and I’m excited to let them kick up their feet for once, as we cook for them and provide a time of rest and relaxation,” Hall said. “Our children need proper nutrition to focus, learn and play, and I’m so grateful that school cafeteria staff and Jennie-O products provide the protein and nourishment that kids need to succeed.”
As part of School Cafeteria Takeovers, Hall and members of the Jennie-O brand team will make four school visits between October 2022 and May 2023:
- The first event was held Oct. 28 in Knoxville, Tenn.
- Nov. 17, 2022: Los Angeles, Calif.
- February 2023: Houston, Texas
- May 2023: Detroit, Mich.
Hall and the Jennie-O brand team worked together to develop a delicious menu featuring Jennie-O turkey for the school cafeteria staff. During the School Cafeteria Takeovers, Hall will lead a baking tutorial of her famous biscuits with school cafeteria staff and treat the lunchroom staff to a fabulous meal.
Additionally, the brand will bring in local businesses to offer refreshments and other relaxing amenities to school cafeteria heroes, and finally, staff will receive heartfelt notes of gratitude from the student body.
“We are so thankful to work with Carla Hall to celebrate the unsung heroes of every school — the school cafeteria staff,” said Renee Cool, brand manager at Jennie-O Turkey Store. “They work tirelessly and take such amazing care of children, so, for one day, we want to pamper them and show our appreciation for all they do with a delicious Jennie-O® turkey meal and relaxation.”
As part of the School Cafeteria Takeovers program with Hall, the makers of the Jennie-O brand will provide $25,000 to four additional schools throughout the year to help fulfill wish lists for cafeterias in need of new equipment and supplies.
Jennie-O Turkey Store notes that it is the leading turkey provider to school districts in the United States.
- Jennie-O is the leading turkey provider in 9 of the top 10 school districts in the nation.
- Jennie-O serves more than 5,000 school districts in the U.S.
- Jennie-O has the largest variety of K-12 turkey products in America.
- The Jennie-O sales team has more than 100 years of combined experience in servicing K-12.
- 90 percent of USDA-donated turkey is processed by Jennie-O.
For more information about Jennie-O turkey products, including recipes, nutritional information and where to buy, visit www.JennieO.com or follow the brand on social media at Facebook.com/JennieOTurkey, Instagram.com/JennieO, TikTok.com/@jennieobrand and Twitter.com/JennieO.
