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Chartwells Higher Education Mobilizes for Food Security

On October 21, 2026, Chartwells Higher Education will coordinate a nationwide event, rallying over 320 college campuses to donate an impressive 50,000 meals through their initiative, United Through Food. This initiative not only seeks to provide food but also aims to cultivate awareness and community around food security, waste reduction, and peer support among students.

The United Through Food Initiative

United Through Food is a proactive approach to combating food insecurity that doesn't just address the need for food but also encourages student participation in community well-being. As reported in the 2026 Campus Dining Index, a staggering 56% of students encounter difficulties accessing sufficient food, emphasizing the critical need for initiatives like this. Eva Wojtalewski, CEO of Chartwells Higher Education, expressed, “College communities thrive when students support each other.” This initiative empowers students and dining teams to take collective actions that benefit local populations.

Planned Events Across Campuses

The Day of Awareness planned for October 21 is designed to be interactive and engaging. Key activities include:

• - Giveback Activations: Certain campuses will organize hands-on donation events. Initiatives such as “Make 1 Donate 1” meal kit stations and “Swipe and Share” meal plan contributions will offer students tangible ways to support their communities. Fun competitions like “Can-struction” food-building challenges and social media efforts like “1 LB for 1 Follower” will help engage the student body.

• - Awareness and Education Installations: Several educational stations will be set up to enlighten students about food waste and insecurity. These will involve creative displays, such as Photo Pledge Walls and trivia games, allowing students to understand the statistics behind these urgent issues more deeply.

• - Climate-Friendly Culinary Takeovers: Chartwells will showcase how sustainability and creativity can coexist in daily dining experiences. Students will have the opportunity to enjoy various menu items, including sweet potato hummus with root vegetable chips, tamales, and unique desserts made from upcycled ingredients. This culinary initiative not only promotes sustainability but also illustrates how appealing food options can arise from often-overlooked ingredients.

Year-Round Support for Local Communities

The October event is a continuation of Chartwells' ongoing efforts, following back-to-campus food drives and spring initiatives focused on waste reduction for Stop Food Waste Day. It reflects a broader commitment to community support, making the act of dining a powerful vehicle for social impact. Students can get involved year-round and contribute to creating a more supportive and nurturing campus environment.

Visit Chartwells Higher Education’s website to learn more about their ongoing efforts to assist food security in communities through United Through Food.

About Chartwells Higher Education

Chartwells Higher Education stands at the forefront of contract food service management, supporting over 320 colleges and universities throughout the United States. They pride themselves on creating personalized dining experiences that resonate with the student body. By fostering significant connections and promoting quality food, Chartwells collaborates with educational institutions to co-develop campus experiences that acknowledge student needs and enhance their college life.