loading
Millions of students across the country will once again join in simultaneous celebration throughout the 2022-2023 school year with Joy-Ful, Chartwells Higher Education’s award-winning campaign that aims to foster a sense of campus community through uplifting moments of joy centered around food. After its inaugural campaign was named a Best Concept Awards winner by Food Management, Joy-Ful returns this school year with celebrity chef Jet Tila once again hosting the kick-off event: the nation’s largest collegiate farmers market.
With hundreds of local farmers and vendors across the country invited to attend, college and university students will get to interact directly with the people responsible for putting food on their dining hall tables. The goal is to educate students on the impact local farmers have and show support for the hard-working individuals tasked with keeping the country fed.
“After the overwhelmingly positive feedback from our inaugural campaign and seeing how it brought students together, we wanted to bring back Joy-Ful this year to provide more opportunities for the incoming class and returning students to connect,” said Lisa McEuen, CEO of Chartwells Higher Education. “We strive to strengthen the entire campus community through food, and our first event will help connect students with the incredible farmers we work with in the broader local community.”
From coast to coast, all campuses will be simultaneously celebrating Joy-Ful’s kick-off event, while incorporating unique elements that are inherent to their campus and communities. Some examples include Teaching Kitchens hosted by local vendors, DIY fall-scented candle making, apple cider and donut stations, and pumpkin yoga. In addition to the farmers market a fall-themed menu will be featured on campuses incorporating seasonal produce such as Herb Roasted Butternut Squash, Balsamic Brussel Sprouts with Cranberries, Turmeric Roasted Root Vegetables and more. All events and activities are designed to bring students together and create memorable moments centered around food and fun.
Celebrity chef and restaurateur Jet Tila, who hosted Joy-Ful’s kick-off “Festi-Ful” event last year, added “Joy-Ful was such an incredible celebration last year. Seeing all the students back together, enjoying delicious food, playing games— it was an honor to be a part of it. When they asked me to do it again this year, I immediately said yes.”
In addition to the farmers market event, Joy-Ful will feature three other signature events throughout the year, with the next event happening in November. More details will be announced closer to each event.
In partnership with The Jed Foundation, Chartwells’ event encourages students to practice self-care and mindfulness with ten unique Thought-Ful themes.
read more
While focused on friendship, gratitude, and fighting food insecurity, Thank-Ful will also feature the largest interactive teaching kitchen hosted across 300 college and university campuses
read more
Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday a Food Connection volunteer picks up unused food and delivers it to various city organizations, where it’s promptly served to those in need.
read more