A warm relay: ZJU canteen delivers 199 meals to injured student on sixth floor

Behind the daily operations of Zhejiang University (ZJU) lies a network of quiet support. Recently, the staff at Yinquan Canteen on campus demonstrated this care by delivering 199 hot meals over nearly four months to a student recovering from a leg fracture, navigating six flights of stairs daily to help his recovery.

Late last year, a student surnamed HE suffered a severe leg fracture. Confined to his bed in a sixth-floor dormitory room with no elevator, even getting out of bed was a challenge, let alone fetching meals from the canteen. Worried about being a burden to the busy canteen staff, HE hesitated before finally calling the university's Catering Service Center for help. To his relief, the staff responded with immediate warmth and concern.

Upon learning of HE's situation, Yinquan Canteen immediately took action. They inquired about his recovery progress, dietary restrictions, and preferred meal times. The kitchen staff customized his menu, focusing on nutritious, low-oil, and low-salt dishes, opting for stewed rather than fried foods to aid his recovery.

Delivering the meals became a daily routine for the canteen staff. Without an elevator, they climbed the six flights of stairs multiple times a day. Rain or shine, during peak hours or freezing winter days, they ensured the meals arrived hot and on time. Several staff members volunteered to take turns, forming a seamless relay of care that lasted for nearly four months.

By mid-April 2026, HE had fully recovered and returned to his normal campus life. Deeply grateful for the support, he visited Yinquan Canteen with a carton of milk, a plush toy, and a heartfelt thank-you letter. "The staff at Yinquan Canteen demonstrated responsibility, kindness, and dedication, making me truly feel the warmth of the ZJU community," HE wrote in his letter.

This act of kindness is not an isolated incident. The university's catering team regularly goes the extra mile for students, whether it is preparing special porridge for those with stomach issues, customizing iodine-free meals for students with hyperthyroidism, or cooking regional dishes to comfort homesick students. These small gestures of care define the supportive environment at ZJU.

Source: ZJU Dining Service Center
Translator: JIANG Chenqi ('27, Structural Engineering)
Editor: JIANG Chenqi, DING Chenwei