Chartwells Higher Ed is spreading random acts of kindness with its third Delight-Ful eventChartwells Higher Ed is spreading random acts of kindness with its third Delight-Ful event

Chartwells Higher Education is challenging campuses to become “Certified Kindness Kitchens,” as part of the third installment of its Delight-Ful event, which is an aspect of the foodservice provider’s Joy-Ful campaign. The Chartwells team has worked with The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation to make this initiative happen.

The Joy-Ful campaign was first launched in 2021, as a way to engage campus communities after the COVID-19 pandemic.

While each year promises new unique events and different themes, the central idea has always been focused around community, whether that be through interactive events that allow diners to connect with the dining team, as well as each other, or with a “Wall of Welcome,” encouraging diners to share their own ideas about building up the community.

And kindness is always a good place to start. The Delight-Ful event, which will run from Feb. 10 to the 14 this year, focuses specifically on spreading acts of random kindness, and Chartwells said that to date, the Delight-Ful events have encouraged over 1.5 million acts of kindness with the goal of surpassing 2 million after this year.

To become a Certified Kindness Kitchen, team members can sign a Certified Kindness Pledge and complete various activities, dubbed “RAkivities” which are all centered around random kindness.

"Delight-Ful reflects our commitment to creating spaces on campus for students to make positive impacts within their communities," said Eva Wojtalewski, CEO for Chartwells Higher Education, in a statement. "We're thrilled to continue offering opportunities for students to come together and prioritize kindness and empathy through food and shared experiences year after year."

In addition to campus dining teams working to be Certified Kindness Kitchens, Delight-Ful will also feature other community-focused activities and initiatives. Diners can expect to see themed menus and dining stations as well as events for the First Year Eats program, which aims to provide a welcoming environment for first-year students while also giving them the chance to connect with their peers, over food.

And this year’s programming will feature new aspects, such as donation stations for students, scavenger hunts and a “Tell Me Something Good,” positivity wall.

And of course, fan favorites from previous events will also be included. Some of these favorites are soup kits, pay-it-forward cards and therapy dogs.