Chartwells Higher Ed brings back its Joy-Ful events with a new spin

Chartwells Higher Education is resuming its series of Joy-Ful marketing events for the third year in a row.

This time, however, the foodservice provider’s Joy-Ful campaign will have a slightly different focus, shining a spotlight on students’ mental health through a partnership with the nonprofit JED Foundation.

Joy-Ful was initially conceived as a way to bring students together after periods of isolation during the pandemic.

This school year, campuses where Chartwells runs dining services will host a “Wall of Welcome” for students to offer their peers ideas on fostering community at school and will also distribute resources on ways to handle homesickness.

Activities offered will include teaching kitchens with dietitians and chefs as well as “Eats and Greets” events where students can gather over food.

"The back-to-school season makes many students feel uneasy, homesick, or anxious about the year ahead,” Lisa McEuen, CEO of Chartwells Higher Ed, said in a statement. “When we first started Joy-Ful, it was mostly about easing students' concerns around physical safety and welcoming them back to campus post-COVID. This year, we want to help equip students with what they need to tackle the mental challenges that come with a new school year and ultimately set them up for success."