Aramark Collegiate Hospitality's All For You program builds community through food

Aramark has come up with new way to engage diners. To that end, the foodservice provider’s college and university arm has debuted All For You, a consumer engagement program that seeks to foster a sense of community and connection.

The program came to be, in part, thanks to ongoing conversation with Aramark’s Council of Student Advisors, who say that dining events are more impactful with activities, according to a statement. All For You launched with a series of customer appreciation events across Aramark’s network last spring. More recently, the foodservice provider held Friendsgiving and Exam Cram events as part of the new program.

“All For You features events planned throughout the academic year that are designed to engage students in fun ways,” said Karen Parker, chief marketing officer at Aramark Collegiate Hospitality, in a statement.  “They are a way to build community—and spark conversations while students share a meal.”

Aramark’s Friendsgiving celebrations, dubbed Thankful For You, went beyond just the dinner plate, but of course, the foodservice provider had to have a festive menu lined up. Various campuses had special holiday menus featuring traditional comfort foods such as turkey and campus-favorite Thanksgiving sides. Diners also received treats throughout the day, such as iced and hot coffee drinks, customizable warm apple cider, and special holiday desserts and snacks.

During the Thankful For You events, diners, along with faculty and staff, were encouraged to list what they’re thankful for on paper leaves which were displayed throughout dining halls.

And some campuses found ways to give back. For instance, the team at University of North Carolina- Wilmington helped students create sandwiches and other meals to donate to students facing food insecurity.

Another feature of All For You was Aramark’s Exam Cram events which aimed to ease stress as the semester came to an end. Students received nutritious study snacks at mobile carts, pop-up stations, dining halls and other study areas around campus.

The University of Delaware had a series of events in store for exam-cramming students, including a free Dunkin’ iced coffee pop-up, popcorn bar, donut wall and fondue bar. But the highlight of the week was a dinner featuring slow-cooked ribs, homemade mac and cheese, shrimp skewers and a s’more dessert pizza.

Aramark’s campuses also received engagement emails and social media ideas to support the events.