Transform Your District's Food Program with Proven Results
Making Lunchtime the Best Class of the Day
OrganicLife is one of the nation's leading food management companies, known for helping school districts create fresh, high-performing food service programs.
With chef-driven menus, farm-fresh ingredients and a proven ability to increase participation, we're a trusted partner and a resource for districts looking to elevate their cafeteria experience.
Bringing Culinary Excellence to OrganicLife
Chef Matt Ayala knows what it takes to make food memorable. A Zagat "30 Under 30" Best Chef in Chicago award winner and former Culinary Director for Hogsalt, he built his reputation by creating dishes that balance creativity with comfort. Now, as Corporate Executive Chef for OrganicLife and its affiliated restaurant groups, including Francois Frankie's, Chef Ayala brings that same passion and precision to the school cafeteria.
A classically trained chef with experience at some of Chicago's most acclaimed restaurants, including Moto, Gilt Bar and Cochon Volant, Chef Ayala leads the development of chef-crafted menus designed to excite students while meeting nutritional standards. He works closely with district teams to ensure every meal reflects OrganicLife's commitment to quality, flavor and freshness.
OrganicLife stands apart as the only K-12 food company with four-star restaurant chefs on staff, a reflection of its founding by a four-star chef and its unwavering belief that nutritious food should taste exceptional.
For Chef Ayala, the mission is also personal. Inspired by his son Henry, he's passionate about showing that school lunch can be something kids look forward to, just like a great meal at home.
"When you see students lining up for lunch and genuinely enjoying the food, that's when you know you've made an impact." — Chef Ayala
Leading the Way in Sustainability
At OrganicLife, sustainability isn't just a talking point, it's a commitment that guides every part of our school food program. From sourcing ingredients responsibly to preparing meals that minimize waste, we're helping schools make a measurable difference for the planet and their communities.
Our approach focuses on practical, lasting impact, ranging from careful portion planning, serving delicious meals students enjoy and finish and continually evaluating our operations to ensure long-term sustainability. These efforts not only reduce waste but also strengthen the overall dining experience, teaching students that caring for the environment can start right on their lunch tray.
Sustainability in schools begins with awareness, but it thrives through action. By leading with innovation and responsibility, OrganicLife is setting a higher standard for what it means to serve food that's good for students and good for the Earth.
Driving Student Participation
Participation, it's what we do. At OrganicLife, we know increasing student participation starts with one simple truth: good food drives engagement. Our culinary teams continually innovate, developing recipes that not only meet nutrition standards but deliver the flavor, variety and freshness students crave.
We regularly survey students to understand their perspectives and use that feedback to refine menus and introduce new ideas. But we don't stop there, we make meals fun and memorable. From "Build Your Own Pizza" days to festive holiday celebrations, themed menus and daily offerings that reflect diverse palates and dietary needs, every meal is designed to excite and include.
We believe the lunchroom should be a place students look forward to visiting, not rushing through. By combining quality ingredients, creativity and genuine connection with our customers, OrganicLife helps schools build food programs that students love and keep coming back for.
Fun with Food - Pumpkin Power
At OrganicLife, we believe food should be nutritious and fun. With Halloween just around the corner, it's the perfect time to celebrate one of fall's favorites, the pumpkin. Did you know the majority of pumpkins grown in the U.S., especially those used for processing, come from Illinois? From soups and muffins to roasted pumpkin bowls, this versatile vegetable adds color, flavor and nutrition to any meal.
In the coming weeks, our menus will feature a variety of pumpkin-inspired dishes and Halloween-themed favorites designed to keep students excited about what's on their plate. It's just one of the many ways OrganicLife makes healthy eating festive, flavorful and fun.
Thinking about transforming your food program. We are here to help.
Interested in learning more about how OrganicLife can help elevate your food service program? Our team is here to help. We are happy to answer your questions, share success stories from other districts and walk you through how our customized approach can drive meaningful results for your district.
