5 things: Chartwells Higher Ed launches national student advisory board

In this edition of 5 Things, Food Management highlights five things you may have missed recently about developments affecting onsite dining.

Here’s your list for today:

1.    Chartwells Higher Ed launches national student advisory board

Chartwells Higher Education has launched IGNITE, a National Student Dining Advisory Board that enables students across the country to come together virtually and provide thought leadership on campus dining programs. Through IGNITE, Chartwells representatives will share new ideas during each virtual meeting to gather feedback and direction from students on topics such as new concepts or technology, new products, events and mental health initiatives.

Read more: Chartwells Higher Education Sponsors First-of-its-Kind National Student Dining Advisory Board

2.    California first state to implement proposed new USDA school nutrition standards

California is the first state to mandate the latest recommended school meal nutrition guidelines from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, following Gov. Gavin Newsom’s signing of SB 348. Effective Jan. 1, the law will set nutrition standards to reduce sugar and salt while offering more whole grains in school meals as outlined in the proposed rule USDA announced last February to gradually strengthen school nutrition standards through 2029. USDA’s final updated school nutrition guidelines are expected next April.

Related:5 tech things: Smoothie-making robots debut at two California community colleges

Read more: California codifies USDA proposal to adjust school meal nutrition standards

3.    Aramark Destinations names new head

Aramark Destinations has named Sasha Day president and CEO, effective immediately, to lead Aramark’s operations in national parks, cultural landmarks, hotels and conference centers across the country. She succeeds Bruce Fears, who has announced his retirement, effective in December, after nearly 40 years with the company he first joined in 1974. Day had most recently served in the lead growth role for Aramark Collegiate Hospitality, where she was responsible for driving the business’s growth strategy, leading the business development team and fostering client relationships.

Read more: Sasha Day Named President and CEO of Aramark Destinations: Bruce Fears Retires After 40 Years of Service & Stewardship

4.    UNL to serve 1,250 free meals to faculty and staff

University Housing and Dining at the University of Nebraska Lincoln (UNL) is showing its appreciation to faculty and staff by offering 1,250 free meals for faculty and staff at Harper Dining Center and East Campus Dining Center on Oct. 16 and at Cather Dining Center and East Campus Dining Center on Oct. 17. The meals are on a first-come, first-served basis, with pre-registration required by noon on Oct. 13.

Related:5 things: Chicago Medicine uses purchase roundups to support its food pantries

Read more: Housing and Dining offering complimentary meals for faculty, staff

5.    Thompson Hospitality does $1M to Virginia State

Virginia State University (VSU) has announced that FM Top 50 firm Thompson Hospitality, the nation's largest black-owned and privately held hospitality company, will donate $1 million to the university. The donation made by President/CEO Warren Thompson as a tribute to his parents, Fred and Ruby Thompson, and marks the second $1 million contribution to VSU from the Thompson Family, following an initial pledge in 2011.

Read more: Virginia State University To Receive $1 Million Donation From Thompson Hospitality

Bonus: Sodexo Live! scares up creative Halloween treats for zoo event

Contact Mike Buzalka at [email protected]