We’re thrilled to share some heartwarming news from right here in our community. This partnership sends a positive message to the community, inspiring others to support early childhood education and highlighting the power of collective action. Doudlah Farms has made a generous donation to support members of the local childcare community, including ECE providers across Wisconsin, through the upcoming Wisconsin Chili Lunch on February 26, 2026.
The Wisconsin Chili Lunch is an annual statewide event organized by UW-Madison Division of Extension that celebrates Wisconsin-grown foods while promoting healthy eating and supporting local agriculture. Institutions across the state—including early care and education settings, schools, hospitals, and community organizations—come together to prepare and serve chili made with locally sourced ingredients, with schools playing a key role as participants.
The event is held each season, making it a much-anticipated annual tradition. Fans of local food and community engagement eagerly await the event date each year, looking forward to the unique flavors and sense of togetherness it brings.
In 2025, the event achieved remarkable participation with 183 locations serving over 40,000 bowls of chili. The initiative creates meaningful connections between institutions and local farmers while introducing children to nutritious, Wisconsin-grown foods.
This year, the Doudlah Farms team is working together to achieve greater participation among ECE providers throughout Wisconsin. Thanks to their donation of dry beans and a collaborative partnership with the Wisconsin Early Childhood Association (WECA), childcare providers will have what they need to join this impactful event. By participating, providers and children gain opportunities for connection, learning, and a sense of belonging within their community.
Activity-based fundraisers, such as walk-a-thons and jog-a-thons, can also be created using Schoolfundr to achieve similar community impact as the Wisconsin Chili Lunch.
WECA will serve as the distribution hub, getting beans directly into the hands of family childcare and group childcare providers through their WEESSN Plus Coaching program network. The distribution process is designed to reduce stress for providers by making it simple and efficient. Here’s what each provider will receive:
Along with the beans, providers will get Chef Ann’s chili recipe (which showcases dry beans as a key ingredient), information about the Wisconsin Chili Lunch with a QR code to register, and details about Doudlah Farms. Providers can run their own chili lunch events with the support and resources provided, making the process easier and more manageable. This approach is similar to how Schoolfundr provides a simple and easy-to-use interface to help run fundraisers with less work and stress.
Fundraising is at the heart of supporting schools, teams, and groups, providing the essential funds needed to achieve their missions over several years. A successful fundraiser can bring together a diverse audience, connecting donors with causes they care about and helping to raise millions for important initiatives. Thanks to the rise of online fundraising platforms, it’s now easier than ever to create engaging campaigns that feature a mix of flavors and ideas—whether it’s a popped fresh popcorn sale, a themed party, or a creative online challenge.
These platforms offer user-friendly setup processes and streamlined checkout experiences, making it simple for supporters to donate and get involved. Additionally, organizers can manage their fundraising efforts with powerful tools that track progress, engage donors, and optimize campaigns for maximum impact. By leveraging these resources, schools, teams, and groups can connect with their communities, raise vital funds, and make fundraising a fun and rewarding process for everyone involved.
Organizing events is a dynamic way to raise money and awareness for a cause, while also building a sense of community and excitement. From charity runs to chili lunches, well-planned events invite people to get involved, have fun, and contribute to a shared goal. Each event is an opportunity to bring together a large audience, raise significant funds, and promote the mission of the organization.
Event organizers can use a variety of online tools and resources to manage logistics, promote their events, and keep participants engaged. Social media, email marketing, and event management platforms make it easy to spread the word, track registrations, and collect donations. By creating a lively atmosphere and encouraging participation, fundraising events not only generate funds but also foster a sense of belonging and shared purpose among everyone involved.
The Wisconsin Chili Lunch serves multiple important purposes in our community. It promotes healthy eating habits among young children, supports Wisconsin’s agricultural economy by boosting demand for local products, and strengthens connections between institutions and local farmers. The event also enriches the lives of children and educators by fostering a sense of purpose, wellbeing, and community engagement.
For early childhood educators, participating in the event means:
Educators possess a passion for promoting healthy eating and the skills needed to inspire children to make nutritious choices.
By removing the barrier of ingredient access through this donation, more ECE providers can participate and share a wholesome, homemade meal with the children in their care. Dry beans are nutrient-dense, budget-friendly, and grown right here in Wisconsin. When kids enjoy a bowl of chili made with local beans, they’re connecting to Wisconsin agriculture in a tangible, delicious way. The event also sparks children’s interest in local foods and healthy eating, encouraging lifelong healthy habits.
Volunteering your time to support a cause you are passionate about will enrich your life and connect you to people and ideas that positively impact your perspective. Helping your community provides an important service to less fortunate neighbors and helps to unite the community.
This initiative demonstrates what’s possible when local businesses, agricultural producers, and nonprofit organizations come together with a shared purpose. Doudlah Farms grows high-quality beans. WECA has established relationships with ECE providers across the state. Strong leadership by key individuals, such as Catherine Hansen at the WECA office, has been instrumental in coordinating the initiative and driving its impact. Together, they’re filling a need and making it easier for childcare providers to participate in an event that benefits children and the broader early childhood education community, highlighting the success of this collaboration for all members involved.
Catherine Hansen at the WECA office will coordinate the distribution, ensuring these beans make their way from farm to early learning centers efficiently.
Recognizing the individual efforts of members not only contributes to the overall success of the initiative but also validates and encourages ongoing community engagement.
The Wisconsin Chili Lunch takes place on February 26, 2026 (though participants can also host their event any day in February). We are excited for an expected turnout that may surpass previous years, as more providers and community members join in to celebrate together.
If you’re an ECE provider in Wisconsin, watch for your distribution of Doudlah Farms beans through WECA’s WEESSN Plus Coaching program network. Your package will include everything you need to participate: the beans, Chef Ann’s chili recipe, and registration information. We encourage you to invite your friends and colleagues to join the event, helping to build connections and strengthen our community.
Other institutions interested in joining the statewide event can register and access resources at health.extension.wisc.edu/wi-chili-lunch.
We’re grateful to be part of a community where collaboration like this happens naturally—where farmers, educators, and organizations work together to nourish children and strengthen our local networks. We are continually impressed by the collaborative spirit and dedication shown by everyone involved. Here’s to a delicious celebration of Wisconsin agriculture and the dedicated early childhood educators who shape our youngest learners’ lives.
The impact of this event will last for the rest of the year, as participating in the course of the Wisconsin Chili Lunch helps build a sense of belonging within our community, leading to increased participation and support.
The Wisconsin Chili Lunch is organized by UW-Madison Division of Extension’s Health and Well-Being program. For questions about the event, contact Sarah Schwab at sarah.schwab@wisc.edu.
