An apple a day does more than just keep the doctor away. On Thursdays at the School of Public Health, the Happiness and Wellness Initiative partners with an anonymous donor to provide fresh fruit in the SPH building lobby for anyone to enjoy. Throughout the semester, an array of different fruits including apples, oranges, clementines, pears and bananas are displayed in front of the dean's office.
Faculty, staff and students say they look forward to grabbing these healthy treats each week while running in between classes and managing their busy schedules. The Happiness and Wellness Initiative uses an optional survey to capture community feedback on the fresh fruit giveaway. Throughout the semester, faculty, staff and students also share their gratitude with the initiative, expressing how the fruit stand enhances their days and is even a motivating factor for some to go to class. When asked how the fruit stand impacts them specifically, an engineering student said, “I want to attend lectures more often now.” Another student claimed they reroute their commute to classes just to stop by and grab some fruit.
During times of uncertainty, some have come to rely on this provision. One person said, “I have been looking forward to this for a week, please don't stop having fruit. I walked up an extra two flights of stairs to hunt for that cart of sweet, sweet sustenance. It tides me over long enough that I don't eat junk for snacks so I can eat a proper lunch.”
“I have been looking forward to this for a week, please don't stop having fruit. I walked up an extra two flights of stairs to hunt for that cart of sweet, sweet sustenance. It tides me over long enough that I don't eat junk for snacks so I can eat a proper lunch.”
Being given a free treat also builds gratitude and goodwill. One student said, “It definitely brightened my mood and made me feel appreciative of the good things in life.”
The SPH Happiness and Wellness Initiative uses various resources to facilitate health and wellness through community engagement. The fruit stand helps to connect and present healthy behaviors by providing fresh, unprocessed snacks. Thanks to our generous donor, anyone passing through our building has access to healthy food that brings excitement to the School of Public Health.