igniting a vibrant student experience >>>>>>>>>
inside this ISSUE
Words of Welcome...
Can you feel it, too? The rousing level of expectation, uncertainty, and excitement for the Class of 2029 is palpable! As summer winds down and the campus is once again bustling with activity, I consider the joy and responsibility of serving our students.
We’re pleased to bring you the latest issue of our Spark Magazine, created exclusively for clients. The magazine looks at current student lifestyle and dining trends, shares success stories from the campuses we serve, and introduces engaging future programs and promotions.
A common thread woven throughout the articles in this issue is the 2024-2025 Sodexo Student Lifestyle Survey This biennial research gathers students’ input and firsthand data about the factors influencing their decisions, behaviors, and satisfaction with their campus experience. The survey also provides our teams and clients with the most up-to-date look at campus trends and offers insight into how best to meet students’ evolving tastes and preferences.
Resident dining is a recognized hub of student engagement, meeting the campus community’s diverse social, emotional, and nutritional needs. Our Spark Strategy continues to reinforce our commitment to togetherness and inclusivity, capitalizing on every opportunity to engage students, whether it be through healthy dining choices, unique on-trend pop-up brands, or exciting promotions and events.
Thank you for your continued partnership. Together, we work to support every student’s journey toward a healthy, happy, and rewarding campus experience.
My best for a rewarding and successful year,
Julie Pfeifer Vice President Growth & Consumer Experience Marketing Sodexo Campus
New for 2025-26
One & All Dining Brand
One & All’s “come as you are” student-driven dining program supports our value proposition designed to unleash student potential by creating meaningful moments of belonging.
Exciting Fall Promotions
DejaNew takes students on an incredible journey that celebrates the past while showcasing tantalizing twists to popular dishes and a fresh spin on cuisine classics. That’s So Extra is an over-the-top event focusing on the popularity of brunch and breakfast foods by creating all-day versions of student favorites carefully crafted for lunch, dinner, snacking, and late-night occasions.
Savory Spring Promotions
Slow Your Roll lets students experience “slowcations” with the laid-back feelings and flavors of well-deserved escapes and carefree adventures in cuisine.
All That Jazz brings students together to enjoy the soulful tastes and smooth sounds of the Jazz era. Jazzing something up adds flair, energy, and excitement — a perfect fit for this fun promotion.
Transforming Dining Through Meaningful Moments of Belonging
A Q&A with Drew Nannis, Chief Marketing Officer of Sodexo Campus, on launching our new resident dining brand
Increased incidences of stress, anxiety, and loneliness are a growing concern on campuses, especially among younger generations such as Gen Z. One thing that has proven effective in battling these negative influences is creating a sense of community and belonging, which form the foundation of Sodexo Campus’ value proposition and new resident dining brand, One & All.
The 2024-2025 Sodexo Student Lifestyle Survey reveals that 70% of students actively seek a sense of community on campus, 84% prioritize a friendly atmosphere, and 54% view the campus dining hall as a central space for socializing with friends.
Offers Students
• Deliciousness Every Day
Spark Magazine: What inspired the creation of One & All?
Drew Nannis: It came from the work we were doing around our value proposition and the role campus dining plays in building connection, belonging, and community. We realized that to redefine the traditional resident program, we needed to look at every aspect of what we offer through the eyes of the students. Knowing that food is the number one way students engage and that engaged students are better academically and better adjusted socially, it became clear that we needed to deliver unique food experiences in welcoming, inclusive, and accommodating environments.
PROUD TO PARTNER
Sodexo knows how important local flavors are for engaging campus communities. Sodexo Campus and the James Beard Foundation have partnered to bring local, James Beard Foundation-affiliated chefs to campuses — featuring unique dishes, training foodservice teams, and engaging with students, all while promoting the Foundation’s “Good Food for Good” mission. This collaboration enhances our culinary offerings and ensures that every dish is thoughtfully crafted to resonate with the unique culture of each campus community.
Chef-prepared meals are made fresh on-site, delivering nutritious, innovative options that satisfy flavor seekers and the need for dietary transparency.
• Variety and Customization
The diverse menu ranges from comfort food classics to adventurous global flavors, with options to accommodate all dietary needs while allowing students to customize their dishes and create their food journey.
• Dynamic Spaces
Modern dining environments feature flexible seating, fun music playlists, and adaptable layouts to support solo recharging, casual meetups, and vibrant social gatherings.
• Engaging Experiences
Interactive chef demonstrations from James Beard Foundation partners, themed events, and student-driven initiatives turn every dining experience into an opportunity for community engagement.
SM: You mentioned that it’s important to examine resident dining through the students’ eyes. Can you elaborate on this?
DN: The example I like to use is to imagine your favorite restaurant. The place that you love to go to more than anywhere else. And if money were no object, you’d be there every day. Now imagine that I told you that you had to eat there three meals a day, seven days a week for a year. In week three, you would be begging me for an alternative. But this repetition is what students often face with resident dining. We can’t take their loyalty for granted, so we have to challenge ourselves to make dining exciting and deliver quality, value, and convenience during every interaction.
SM: Personalization is essential for connecting with students. How did you incorporate personalization into the One & All brand?
DN: One & All was created with everyone in mind. We welcome students in a friendly way that lets them know that whatever their needs, there is a place at the table for them. Whether they’re looking for a quick snack or something more substantial, alone or with a group — our stations and our spaces have it all. Transparent menus
help students navigate allergens, ingredients, and nutritional information with confidence, clarity, and ease. As we like to say, it’s one dining hall with something for everyone.
SM: The brand is built on several pillars, one of the more interesting ones being “Come as You Are.” What’s behind this pillar?
DN: It’s really all about engagement. Engagement isn’t something that happens; you must work at it daily to succeed. So, the pillar of “Come As You Are” lets students know they are always welcome, wherever they are on their guest journey. It’s about offering a warm welcome, not an entrance. It features a space to meet every need, not just a table and chair. All of these things — every touchpoint — are important.
As much as we like to say that food is the number one way students engage, that isn’t so much of an advantage as it is a responsibility. It’s not just about the food, even when discussing your favorite restaurant. You talk about the atmosphere, the music, the lighting, the service. All of these things contribute to a memorable experience. The same applies to students in resident dining.
Brand hosts, modeled after the letters “ O ” and “A” in One & All, will be used on social media and brand swag to remind students that food is fun!
One & All’s welcoming environment is supported by a caring and attentive staff trained to make every student feel special and every encounter enjoyable.
SM: You mentioned that it is crucial to accommodate students wherever they are on their guest journeys. Can you elaborate on the thinking behind this approach?
DN: Looking at the guest journey was a critical part of the One & All brand development process. Doing this helped clarify students’ diverse needs, their mindsets at any given time, and the support they look to us to provide to make their lives less stressful and more enjoyable. No matter why a student visits our dining hall, we need to be ready to meet their needs.
From grab & go to a sit-down meal, local or global, healthy or decadent, alone or in a group, we need the food, space, and service that works for everybody. It’s also essential that our dining halls’ physical design and layout match the varying student journeys to eliminate confusion, increase flow, and ensure a seamless visit from entrance to exit.
LEADERSHIP SPOTLIGHT
“As part of Sodexo’s Spark Strategy, the Student Lifestyle Survey is a key initiative designed to capture student behaviors, perceptions, and attitudes throughout their campus journey — including dining, social life, and beyond. By deeply understanding students’ expectations and experiences, Sodexo can stay ahead of evolving needs and drive innovation in campus dining. This commitment to student insights has already influenced the development of new dining brands like One & All, ensuring that our offerings align with what today’s students truly want and need.”
Kemar Harris
Manager,
SM: Are there any other benefits of the One & All brand that will give clients a competitive advantage in the marketplace?
DN: A significant benefit of the brand is the long-term value it will provide after students graduate. For one thing, One & All prioritizes student engagement, and we know that engaged students are more likely to become engaged alums.
Again, I will use the restaurant experience as an example. If you had a great experience, what do you do? You tell somebody. The same principle applies to a college experience. If students have a great campus experience, they tell people about it. They become super fans of the university, building brand recognition and even supporting the university as proud alumni.
CLIENT PERSPECTIVE
“Fostering a sense of community and belonging is at the heart of everything we do at Lee University, and this new dining concept is a perfect complement to that mission. By offering students a dynamic and inclusive environment where they can connect over delicious and nutritious meals, we are supporting their personal growth and helping to build meaningful relationships. We believe One & All will play a key role in making every student feel at home here, and we are excited to be a part of this transformative initiative.”
Chris Conine Vice President, Business & Finance Lee University
Custom murals depicting local iconic architectural or natural elements offer an opportunity for localization and vibrant pops of color.
“A positive campus experience extends well beyond graduation and ultimately benefits the university. As a valued partner, we must deliver a welcoming, comfortable community-building experience that creates memorable moments and lifelong connections.”
Drew Nannis
SM: The One & All brand is said to have been created with customization in mind. How is customization built into the physical space, and is it important to students and clients?
DN: It’s imperative! One of the biggest takeaways from conversations with our clients is that everyone wants to customize their program. We understand why this is important, but we also know it’s critical not to compromise the brand we created that makes One & All a point of differentiation for those very clients.
We solved this challenge by creating a thoughtfully designed environment with customization in mind. Tailored solutions include localized naming, custom graphics, furniture typology options, and opportunities to incorporate school colors into specific spots. We even have naming constructs within the different stations, some of which are customizable, so each school can make it their own.
SM: What would you like students to feel when they experience One & All? What emotions do you want the brand to evoke?
DN: That’s a great question. There is no short answer, but if I had to pick one thing, it would be to feel welcomed, emotionally and physically. When students leave the dining hall, I want them to have plenty of good things to remember and share with their friends. I want them to leave nourished and satisfied, feel comfortable and safe, and know they belong as part of a larger community.
Many students we serve are away from home for the first time. Everything is new, even a little scary, and meeting new people is hard. We know the vital role campus dining plays in student engagement and creating a positive student experience. If that responsibility is important enough to roll out a truly unique brand like One & All, it’s important enough to make it work.
Sparking Student Engagement
A Community-Building
Strategy To Ignite Socialization on Campus
In addition to academic goals and financial concerns, students are progressively shifting their college or university choices, placing an elevated value on the ability to make personal connections, achieve a sense of belonging, and feel welcomed and satisfied with their overall campus experience.
Sodexo’s Spark Strategy addresses these needs by supporting accounts with the resources they require to create opportunities that foster student engagement, host events that promote socialization, and offer programs that inspire new friendships that result in valuable support systems.
ADDRESSING STUDENTS’ MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS
has challenged universities to think holistically and take a multidimensional approach to supporting their students. Everyone must take responsibility for creating a culture of physical and mental well-being that builds courage, confidence, and success.
According to the 2024-2025 Sodexo Student Lifestyle Survey , the ability to form social connections is crucial for college students, and 49% of survey respondents state that they want a campus where they feel confident that they can make friends.
Moving Student Connection in the Right Direction
The Sodexo Student Lifestyle Survey is conducted biennially. Sodexo campuses nationwide are witnessing positive outcomes as a direct result of our innovative Spark Strategy, designed to improve the student experience through engagement, inclusivity, and relationship-building. In comparing the results of recent academic years, we are pleased to report that the recent 2024-2025 survey indicates that students are feeling less isolated and more connected to their campus community overall.
In 2024, 65% of students felt like they belong on campus.
Spark Hits the Mark With “Meet Our Mascot” & Similar Engagement Events
Our dedicated teams nationwide enthusiastically leverage our Spark Strategy in innovative and university-specific ways to enhance togetherness and increase socialization on their campuses.
The following are a few shining examples of
Framingham State University Celebrates FRAM ILY With Sam the Ram
Campus pride and school spirit were running high at FSU in Framingham, Massachusetts. Enthusiastic students were treated to a rousing roster of exuberant hijinks featuring Sam the Ram during this high-energy Meet Our Mascot event. Fun and festivity weren’t the only items on the menu as the creative FSU Dining team featured the now-famous Sam the Ram-Wich (a specially crafted “sammie”) to celebrate the guest of honor.
Students participated in several activities, including FSU Black & Gold Trivia and Spin the Prize Wheel, where they could win T-shirts, plush animals of Sam the Ram, stress balls, mugs, and stickers.
Spirits were high with no stress in sight as students enjoyed making new friends and celebrating belonging and community on campus.
71% of students now say they are satisfied with the overall campus environment, up from 64% in 2022
66% of students were satisfied with the inclusivity of campus in 2024, up from 54% in 2022
The number of students who report feelings of loneliness dropped from 43% in 2022 to 38% in 2024¹
Campus Spirit Sparks Merriment at Merrimack
What embodies school spirit more than the University’s mascot? According to students at Merrimack College in North Andover, Massachusetts, very few things.
Sparky’s Place at Merrimack College hosted an over-the-top Meet Our Mascot get-together that allowed students to mingle with friends, make new acquaintances, and get to know the school’s very own MVP, Mack the Warrior.
Of course, there were plenty of delicious menu items for everyone to enjoy, including a special Warm Up with Mack sweet treat station This station treated attendees to a luscious hot chocolate bar complete with a bounty of signature toppings, including campus-themed sprinkles.
SPIRIT
LEADERSHIP SPOTLIGHT
“Sodexo’s Spark Strategy is designed to elevate the student experience by creating a vibrant and engaging campus environment. Through targeted initiatives that focus on inclusivity, collaboration, and connection, Spark ignites a sense of belonging among students, making them feel like a valued part of the campus community. Spark not only increases student participation in events and activities but also cultivates lasting relationships that enhance campus life. I am so proud of the efforts our team puts into implementing such an innovative approach that goes beyond simple engagement — it builds a supportive, dynamic atmosphere where students are inspired to connect with each other, participate in campus initiatives, and thrive academically and socially.”
Melanie Sweeney Fetzer
National Senior Vice President, Commercial Growth
Sodexo Campus & Government
TOGETHERNESS
Gather Together: Friendsgiving at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts
An abundance of gratitude and togetherness filled the air when UNCSA mascot, The Fighting Pickle, joined students for a hearty helping of food, fun, and fellowship. The imaginative dining team at UNCSA in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, hosted a fun and festive Friendsgiving celebration, where students enjoyed the familiar tastes of a traditional Thanksgiving meal while also receiving a heaping portion of warmth and friendship.
Bringing together friends who feel like family gives students a sense of kinship, acceptance, connection, and inclusion. During UNCSA’s Friendsgiving, students from all walks of life gathered together in the spirit of Thanksgiving to make memories that will last a lifetime.
University of Vermont & Rally the Catamount Promote Student Engagement on National Cookie Day
Dining Services at the University of Vermont in Burlington, Vermont, rallied the campus community to celebrate the “Catamount Cookie” as UVM Dining’s official cookie.
The innovative dining team at UVM seized the perfect opportunity to partner with the school’s mascot, Rally the Catamount, to introduce their delicious maple toffee and chocolate chunk cookies on none other than National Cookie Day. Rally Cat, as it is fondly known on campus, entertained the crowd with energizing antics and mayhem as students enjoyed the debut of this delicious campus-inspired sweet treat.
Research has shown that students value experiences, especially Gen Z, who embrace the moment and seek out memorable activities over material possessions. The dining hall is the hub of socialization on campus and provides countless opportunities for students to nourish their minds and bodies while creating rewarding experiences that last a lifetime.
In addition to serving healthy, on-trend food in a welcoming environment, our resident dining programs engage and entertain students with promotions and special events that generate excitement while creating a culture of belonging. Fueled by our Spark Strategy, these promotions and events use the latest student insights, trends, and culinary innovations to encourage engagement, inspire genuine connections, and create a satisfying and memorable campus experience.
WE BELIEVE
campus dining is not just about the food. It’s about delivering a memorable student experience in a welcoming environment where belonging , togetherness , and community are treasured.
Internal Promotions Website Facilitates Campus Personalization
We’re excited to introduce our new Spark Campus Promotions website. Using valued customer input, we developed an internal, state-of-the-art website that provides an easy to navigate shopping experience for operators, helping them better support our clients. Operators can use the site to individualize campus promotions by hand-selecting from a robust selection of supplemental advertising materials that are best suited to their campus community.
Our promotions portal is easy for operators to use and designed with navigation similar to popular retail shopping sites. Accounts can personalize and access their chosen materials immediately via file download or have them printed and sent directly to their campus. This new internal shopping destination supports Sodexo management teams in customizing and maximizing student engagement, involvement, and satisfaction.
Fall 2025 Promotions
Our fall promotions capitalize on two popular Gen Z trends — delicious food and their perfect match: friendship-building activities. Nostalgia is now “newstalgia” and our DejaNew promotion takes students on an incredible journey that celebrates the past while showcasing tantalizing twists to popular dishes.
That’s So Extra is an over-the-top event focusing on the popularity of brunch and breakfast foods by creating all-day versions of student favorites carefully crafted for lunch, dinner, snacking, and late-night occasions.
LEADERSHIP SPOTLIGHT
“Our Spark Strategy shines a spotlight on Sodexo’s commitment to elevating student life through the power of great food. By tying dining promotions to campus events, we create meaningful moments of belonging that help students feel at home.”
Kelly Caruso Director, Creative Content Sodexo Campus
Spring 2026 Promotions
Our promotions lineup for spring 2026 allows our dining teams to showcase their culinary talent, creativity, and versatility while emphasizing the many benefits of being on a voluntary meal plan.
Slow Your Roll lets students experience “slowcations” with the laid-back feelings and flavors of well-deserved escapes and carefree adventures in cuisine. This event encourages everyone to have a little fun, socialize with friends, and savor the flavors of life through an enticing menu of delicious vacay-style foods.
During All That Jazz , students will come together to enjoy the soulful tastes and smooth sounds of the Jazz era, a time and culture that is especially popular with Gen Z. Jazzing something up adds flair, energy, and excitement — a perfect fit for this fun promotion that features vibrant decor, rhythmic and eclectic music, and the tantalizing tastes of iconic jazz cities from New Orleans to Chicago.
National Sweepstakes
A Big Win for Students & Campus Communities
Sodexo’s National Sweepstakes continues to be popular with students. It encourages their participation and engagement in the resident dining program while providing an opportunity to fight food insecurity both on and off campus.
Campus pantries play a critical role, serving as an emergency resource for students needing a helping hand. As part of its mission to fight against hunger and food insecurity, the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation provides grant-based funding for on-campus, nonprofit food pantries. These pantries, and others established independently of the Foundation, ensure that students who face hunger-related difficulties get the food and support necessary to meet their nutritional needs.
In addition to rewarding terrific prizes to our lucky winners, the National Sweepstakes provides a meaningful way for the winning students to help fight hunger by choosing their campus food pantry (or food-related charity) to share in their prize package through a monetary donation. One student shares, “It’s a win-win-win — a prize for me and my campus and community, too.”
2025 & 2026 Sweepstakes
Let Them Cook Sweepstakes
Sweepstakes winners receive a $575 Williams Sonoma® gift card to take their foodie game to new heights by purchasing their favorite kitchen gadgets or appliances, or even the opportunity to watch a virtual cooking instruction session with friends. Winners will share their good fortune by selecting their campus food pantry, or another food-related charity, to be the recipient of a $1,250 donation in their honor.
Slay The Day Sweepstakes
Students can use their $575 Visa® gift card to plan the day trip of their dreams. They may choose to attend a concert, a famous landmark, or a city they have always wanted to visit. Lucky winners can invite a friend on a one-day adventure to have fun, explore, and make fantastic memories. Winners will share their good fortune by selecting their campus food pantry, or another food-related charity, to be the recipient of a $1,250 donation in their honor.
Sodexo’s National Sweepstakes was first introduced in 2017. Since its inception, we are proud to share that students at Sodexo’s partner campuses have donated $160,000 to 186 local charities across the United States.
Congratulations to the National Sweepstakes winners and the food-related charities that students selected to receive their donations.
Students Across the Nation Take a Sweeping Stake in Their Own Campus Food Pantries
Among the 14,635 entries, this year’s National Sweepstakes named 37 lucky sweepstakes winners.
Of these 37 winners, we are honored to share that 11 winning students chose to support their own campus food pantries by selecting them as their charity of choice. Up greatly from last year, the quantity of students supporting their individual campus pantries speaks volumes about the efforts of our resident dining operators to raise awareness about students in need and address student and community barriers to adequate nutrition.
On behalf of Sodexo and our clients, we extend our sincere gratitude and congratulations to those students working together with our dining teams to tackle today’s challenges and foster more connected and inclusive campuses nationwide.
Vincent’s Vault at XULA Louisiana
Weber State University
Weber Cares Pantry at WSU
Brittyn Glover University of Mary Hardin-Baylor The Source at UMHB
Christopher Potter East Tennessee State University
Bucky’s Food Pantry at ETSU Tennessee
Rebecca’s House at TNU Tennessee
STUDENT SHOUTOUT
“I chose my campus food pantry because it is a place that gives to my friends and peers. Living in Nashville, things are more expensive including groceries, so for students to make good food in their apartment it can get expensive! I think Rebecca’s House is meeting a need by providing food to the people who need it.”
Isabelle Rector Trevecca Nazarene University
Isabelle Rector
Staying Mindful of Students’
Mental Health & Well-Being
Depression. Anxiety. Stress. That's what over 45% of today’s college students are facing every day.¹ Students don’t just need lunch — they need the ingredients for connection. Belonging. Community. Food is at the heart of their social lives (and that's why it's a powerful answer to rising mental health concerns on campus).
Campus dining is the hub of activity where students come together in a comfortable space to nourish their bodies, be themselves, and grow. In fact, 54% consider eating together the primary way to socialize, and students look to campus dining to create programs supporting their overall well-being. ²,³
Sodexo prioritizes togetherness through our Spark Strategy and the many programs, promotions, and marketing initiatives that foster community while reducing student stress, anxiety, and loneliness. From Gratitude Month celebrations in November to exam time study breaks to group activities focused on nutrition or physical movement, all our efforts contribute to creating an inclusive campus environment.
We remain committed to socialization, belonging, and community, as evidenced in our latest resident dining brand, One & All — where we celebrate and embrace the needs of all students. In addition, our Mindful brand has undergone an exciting refresh that emphasizes a more holistic approach to wellness, communicated through brighter, bolder, more engaging graphics and messaging.
(See pages 4-9 for more on One & All.) Sources: 1. “45% of College Students Struggle with
LEADERSHIP SPOTLIGHT
“Creating that feeling of safety and inclusion, especially for new students, requires us to take an integrated approach to serving the whole person. Weaving in elements from Mindful helps us give students insight into how food can be a valuable tool that goes far beyond supporting their physical well-being, helping them prepare for and thrive during the emotional challenges of their college years. This helps us create a sense of purpose around dining that brings them together with a common desire to be well.”
Dave Trombetta Director, Growth
Shifting Perceptions of Wellness
The concept of wellness has changed in recent years, with consumers now viewing wellness as a combination of “ Physical ” (food + activity), “ Emotional,” “ Environmental,” and “ Social.” Students are particularly enthusiastic about living a healthier lifestyle but may need support in implementing changes to meet their goals.
According to Kristi Theisen, Senior Director of Impact Marketing for Sodexo North America, “Students face a mountain of data and opinions from pop-up ads, social media ’wellness’ influencers, news outlets, and more. These sources publish wellness content, from diet and nutrition programs to fitness and mental health advice. However, a recent study suggests that only 16.4 % of bloggers report having fitness/exercise certifications — even though 57% report being a fitness/exercise professional. It can be challenging to separate fact from fiction, and students are looking for a trustworthy source.” Sodexo’s Mindful brand is such a source.
Mindful’s new logo is flowing and harmonic, representing the brand’s holism.
Mindful’s Holistic Approach
Mindful is like a friendly coach who works only with trusted experts to bring verified information and content to students. Mindful is built on a platform that inspires and empowers people through exciting, flavorful food and smart, friendly guidance, with a holistic approach to well-being for people and the planet.
While the concept of wellness and the definition of well-being have evolved, many of Mindful’s core principles are more applicable than ever:
• Big Flavors ― Full Plates
• Driven by Consumer Trends
• Diverse in Ingredients
• Science-Based
• Whole Foods, Simply Presented
• An Omni-Channel Experience
A half-circle curve icon nods to the Mindful Mix, in which 50% of a plate is fruit and veggies.
Mindful is easy to understand and easy for consumers to incorporate into their lives — it’s committed to helping everyone eat better, move better, feel better, and be the absolute best they can be.
Circle elements tie into the curve icon, particularly in photography and graphic patterns.
Mindful’s flexible design allows for the consistent delivery of content and images across different media formats.
Meeting Students’ Nutritional Needs
As reported in the 2024-2025 Sodexo Student Lifestyle Survey, although 92% of students recognize the importance of a healthy diet, only 21% actively prioritize healthy food choices. While students understand the need to eat healthy, they struggle to follow through, and reaching them can be challenging.
According to Theisen, “Students are busy and rarely want to be lectured about their health. So, we must make it interesting, easy, and fun — meeting them where they are on their wellness journeys and being ready to support them when they’re looking for information and guidance. To achieve this, we take a multi-prong approach with in-person events and demonstrations, informative online and social posts and engagements, and special signage and labels to guide students toward choices that will help them feel great.”
Credentialed experts and the largest dietitian network worldwide back Sodexo’s wellness strategy. Theisen states, “The EAT-Lancet Planetary Health Diet (created by the EAT-Lancet Commission) inspires our new wellness and dietetic framework — a healthy way of eating for both people and the planet. This diet is the foundation for the menu design of United Nations programs and leading certifications. It provides guidelines for choosing different food groups to constitute an optimal diet for human health and environmental sustainability.”
92% of students recognize the importance of a healthy diet. 21% of students actively prioritize healthy food choices.
Addressing the Mental & Physical Health Connection
Research shows that mental and physical health are interconnected, especially for students who often experience elevated levels of stress, anxiety, and loneliness. Declining mental health can lead to physical ailments such as fatigue, headaches, and weakened immune function. Poor physical health can negatively impact mental well-being, leading to increased feelings of stress, irritability, and depression.
“ The gut microbiome impacts the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, which affects our mood, sleep, and overall mental well-being. The gut microbiome supports serotonin production when we eat a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, which helps us feel more focused and stable, happier, and calmer.”
Kelsey Rosenbaum, MS, RD, LDN, PMP
Regional Dietitian
Sodexo
Campus
“Sodexo is working with the National Council for Mental Wellbeing to increase mental health awareness, support, and resources for our teams, clients, and consumers,” says Theisen. “Our goal is to bring mental health certification training to campuses, decrease the stigma around mental health, and offer additional, credible mental health support to improve the lives of our employees and students.”
While physical and emotional well-being remain fundamental to overall health, there is a growing acknowledgment of the importance of other pillars — namely, “Environmental” and “Social.” COVID-19 and the increasing conversations around mental health fueled this rise, with the realization that many factors are interconnected in a way that creates or distorts an overall feeling of life balance.
Sodexo’s many brands and programs, strengthened by Mindful and our Spark Strategy, represent an intricate network of support to further student wellness, enhance academic performance, and foster a sense of community and belonging.
Optimizing the Student Experience
Through Targeted Programs & Promotions
Sodexo’s holistic approach to student engagement and satisfaction includes a robust portfolio of innovative programs and promotions strategically designed to achieve specific outcomes. These targeted offers allow our teams to customize their outreach efforts based on the individual needs of their campus and students. Our portfolio is divided into four strategic collections of support, including:
Insights & Influences
Synthesizing consumer research, student insights, and food trends into actionable campus-specific priorities
Campus & Community
Connecting with students through outreach efforts supporting their campus and community
Traditions & Occasions
Furthering engagement by celebrating meaningful times, traditions, and occasions
Participation & Value
Increasing program participation and value by addressing student needs
Street Team
Diverse teams of campus interns, street ambassadors, and student influencers who gather valuable student insights
Mystery Shopper
Undercover shoppers who obtain feedback to improve customer satisfaction, drive innovation, and increase account performance
Chef Celebration Week — Honoring Those Who Make Every Day Delicious
A campus-wide tribute to our chefs who fuel student success and daily satisfaction
Good Vibe Food Drive
A grassroots outreach effort to end hunger and food insecurity on campus
National Sweepstakes
A nationwide sweepstakes to help drive student participation and engagement while supporting campus and community organizations
Holidays and Celebrations
Observances that bring the campus community together to celebrate memorable moments, traditions, food, and friendly vibes
Late-Night Breakfast
A breakfastthemed and food-filled event created to help students relax, reset, and offset the stress typically associated with exam time
Perfect Palates
An exhilarating blindfolded taste test where students guess the ingredients in a deconstructed dish, introducing them to exciting new flavors with an unforgettable experiential event
CHEFS’ FARE
There’s an App for That!
A head-to-head battle of campus culinarians in which students vote for the most unique, delicious, and appealing appetizers on campus
Flavor Seekers Collective
A student-driven pop-up dining experience with exclusive menus and trendy flavors designed to take resident and retail dining to a new level
Sip Society
A monthly membership program featuring coffee, tea, and premium beverages tailored to students’ tastes, preferences, and lifestyles
Student-Voted Pop-Up Events
An innovative pop-up experience bringing the hottest Gen Z food trends to campus, such as Boba Blast — aka delicious bubble tea — or sweet and perfectly spiced Churro Sundaes
Sparking Sales
A collection of suggestive selling resources to enhance dining program value and increase student satisfaction through strategic upselling, cross-selling, and bundling techniques
Sodexo’s far-reaching commitments and initiatives to ensure our choices today will better the world we’ll live in tomorrow
Bubble Tea Fun
In Action
UMASSBOSTON DiningbySodexoEMPLOYEE APPRECIATIONDAY reallyHangingoutwithNed!Ourteams aretheSPARK!Thanksforall youdo!HappyNationalEmployee AppreciationDaytooursquad!
#UMASSBOSTON
BINGHAMTON UNIVERSITY
Dining by Sodexo ALL THAT AND A BAG OF CHIPS
Hope you hit up the food, fun, and the retro gaming action! We were in it to win it with “Bop It” and “Simon Says” LOL
Through the powerful use of social media and additional outreach efforts, we raise interest and enhance excitement about the variety of programs and promotions that make a Sodexo dining experience exceptional and memorable.
METHODIST UNIVERSITY
Dining by Sodexo
OPPOSITES ATTRACT
There was sweet stuff, there was spicy stuff…and it was all delicious!!! �� It’s true! Opposites Attract!
#sodexocampus
We are pleased to highlight examples of how various Sodexo accounts use our Spark Strategy to ignite student engagement on campus.
COLLEGES OF THE FENWAY
Dining by Sodexo
LUNAR NEW YEAR
Hope you all enjoyed our special Lunar New Year menu today! Wishing everyone a year of prosperity, health, and happiness.
NAZARETH UNIVERSITY DiningbySodexo
SCOOP THERE IT IS
ScoopThereItIswasa blast! So much ice cream… somanytoppings…Weall screamed for ice cream!
UNIVERSITY OF MARY WASHINGTON
Dining by Sodexo
VALENTINE’S DAY
LOVE IS IN THE AIR! Hit up the Valentine’s Day Treat Shop in the lobby of our university center! Stop by and get some cake pops, cookie pops, and cupcakes for you and your friends...or someone special. ♥
#nazdining
#fenway
Evolutionof a Successful
Dining Concept
To meet students’ evolving needs, Sodexo listens to what they want, watches what they’re craving, and observes where they’re dining off campus to create the most rewarding and responsive dining experience possible. Additionally, we track emerging food trends, explore vibrant culinary scenes, and analyze the latest data to build pop-ups and dining concepts that will engage, satisfy, and delight students.
“Changing tastes, trends, and dining preferences require a nimble and nuanced approach to capitalize on what’s hot in campus dining.”
Rob Morasco Vice President, Offer & Innovation Sodexo Campus
According to Jennifer DiFrancesco, Sodexo’s Director of Culinary Innovation, “We involve students in our concept development process by asking them what they’d like to see. You could call them our co-creators! During last semester’s Churro Sundae Pop-Up, we used real-time QR code voting at participating campuses to decide which pop-up to deliver next. The students’ choice was clear: they wanted to see dirty sodas on campus, thus fueling the development of our new SODA’licious Pop-Up!”
The wild success of these pop-up events has shown that today’s students aren’t just looking for great food — they’re looking for unforgettable experiences. Rob Morasco, Sodexo’s Vice President of Offer & Innovation, says focusing on providing unique and enjoyable experiences is essential to success. “Any pop-up or concept must be customer-centric and engage students with authentic, culturally accurate, and appropriate foods. And because students ‘live’ with us three meals a day, seven days a week, what we deliver must include something for everyone, including healthier, plantforward, or allergen-friendly choices.”
Sodexo uses its Quad Squad , featuring Gen Z students, to rank concepts, cuisines, and specific menu items when developing large-scale dining brands. Recently, the Quad Squad rated global cuisines, with Latin, Italian, and Chinese ranking highest.
Recipe for a New Dining Concept
Innovation is an intangible quality highly valued and prioritized at Sodexo, and nowhere is this commitment more evident than when we’re creating a new dining concept.
Satisfying Student Needs & Tastes Requires Balance
While pushing culinary boundaries through bold flavors, unexpected pairings, and nextlevel experiences is exciting, satisfying students’ diverse needs and tastes can be challenging. DiFrancesco states, “It’s all about achieving a balance of familiarity and discovery, taking what students love and evolving it in a fresh, relevant, and irresistible way. Whether students want to try a new item because it sounds interesting or they’re intrigued by a new flavor or cuisine, pairing it with something they like lets them explore something different in a less intimidating way.”
Maintaining balance is also essential to student health and well-being. Sodexo’s Campus Culinary Innovation team employs a strategic approach to menu development that features a balanced mix of nutrient-dense Mindful offerings alongside indulgent, trend-forward creations that satisfy bold cravings.
Morasco notes, “Our Mindful brand focuses on eating well without sacrificing flavor. Whether incorporating more antioxidant-rich blueberries into salads and breakfast parfaits or highlighting leafy greens on our salad bars and smoothie stations, making healthier choices delicious is the best way to ensure students try our recipes.” He adds, “With students’ mental health becoming a significant issue on campuses today, Mindful and its focus on overall wellness is vital in supporting students’ physical and mental well-being.”
(See pages 22-27 for more on Mindful.)
Trends To Watch in Resident Dining
“Bold! That’s the central theme shaping the developments in campus dining in 2025,” says DiFrancesco. “Students want more than just meals — they see dining as the gateway to richer social connections.”
So, what tastes and preferences does Sodexo’s talented team of culinarians predict will have a breakout year? The following five food trends, featured in a special Five for 2025 Sodexo’s CRAFT Magazine, have been identified as soon-to-be student favorites.
Chili Crunch — Where Spicy Goes Global
Chili crunch is a versatile ingredient that tingles the senses with the sweet heat of Chinese chili oil while also delivering an irresistible crunch that packs a punch. It embodies Gen Z’s penchant for combining global flavors to spice up their day.
Cloud Nine Curry — A Savory Campus Staple
Hearty, belly-warming curry is anything but one-dimensional — it’s as diverse and complex as the entire “soup” category. Curries of all stripes are versatile, effortlessly leaping from authentic cuisine to delightfully shocking fusion dishes. 3
Holistic Experience — Where Function Meets Fun
Students recognize that food does more than nourish the body...it fuels the mind, empowers the soul, and fosters social connection. Whether they’re looking for meal options that power athletic performance, keep their minds sharp for exams, improve their energy levels, or reduce their carbon footprint, functional foods will continue to be an extension of Gen Z’s progressive and adventurous approach to life.
Rebellious Tacos — Smashing the Status Quo
Tacos have long been tasty handheld favorites, and Gen Z is discovering they’re also the perfect vehicle for global fusion. These rebel tacos know no bounds and feature funky flavor combos, multicultural ingredients, and bold, new options that unveil the next big taste.
Showstopper Desserts — Decadence Meets Demand
Indulgently over the top, social media-ready, and made from better-for-you ingredients — this is our secret recipe for crafting wildly popular desserts on campus. From Freakshakes to bouncing boba to spiced churro sundaes and beyond, these desserts will stop students in their tracks.
Click or scan to read CRAFT and learn more
Showstopper Desserts
Trends To Watch in Retail Dining
Sodexo’s many national retail brand partnerships offer incredible convenience and appeal to students. But often, a more value-oriented solution is needed, where students can use a meal swipe to get to the food they want when they can’t visit a resident dining restaurant. This solution must also be flexible for clients regarding investment, installation, and deployment timing.
Expanding on this, Morasco says, “Recently, we used Sodexo’s student-driven Quad Squad to help gauge the retail landscape for the coming year. We asked them to evaluate the 24 top cuisine and restaurant types based on various factors, and their top choices were Mediterranean, Indian, and burgers. We used this feedback to prioritize our internal retail concept development and are excited about the release of some unique brands featuring these three cuisines and flavor profiles.”
LEADERSHIP SPOTLIGHT
“At their core, our dining concepts are built on the foundation of our Spark Strategy, designed to ignite campus connections and create a sense of belonging for today’s student. Integrating technology, food and social trends, and relevant generational communication channels, our concepts become a seamless component of the on-campus student lifestyle journey.”
Rich Blanchard Director, Growth & Consumer Experience Marketing
Trends for the Future
Hyper-Personalization & Customization
Gen Z prizes personalization and expects highly customizable meals. From pop-ups and customized pasta to our One & All and Foodiverse resident dining programs, our campus communities will see more made-for-me experiences when ready to dine!
Sustainable Eating
Nearly 65% of Gen Z students actively seek plant-based options when dining.1 This generation places a high value on sustainability in their food choices, making it clear that plant-forward and eco-conscious options aren’t just preferences — they’re expectations. Sodexo Campus is proud to menu 50% plant-rich entrées with various dining approaches such as default veg and 1:1 equitable options, making the plant-rich option delicious, inclusive, and accessible to all.
Global Comfort Foods & Regional Cuisines
Gen Z, the most racially and ethnically diverse generation in U.S. history, tends to favor a wide range of flavors inspired by global cuisines and their own cultural roots. All three of Sodexo's resident dining brands emphasize this trend. With every brand they experience, students will discover made-to-order deliciousness that's authentic and approachable. From One & All's Showcase station to Foodiverse's Y’Mas and Kulture Trip stations to Foodprint Foodhall's dedication to diverse, flavorful options for all diet preferences, there's a seat for everyone at Sodexo's table.
Tech-Driven Dining Experiences
From mobile ordering and 24/7 autonomous retail options to robotic delivery and integrated digital signage, we’re constantly exploring new, innovative solutions to enhance the dining experience with digital tools that meet the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s students.
Source: 1. What Motivates Gen Z To Go Plant-Based? Sodexo Campus, 2023.
Building a Better Future With Progress & Purpose
At Sodexo, we make a difference by promoting health and safety, advocating for human rights and inclusion, and safeguarding the environment. We focus on creating and implementing best practices for supporting individuals, communities, and the planet.
Going for the Goal
It is an important year for Sodexo as we work to meet our FY2025 Better Tomorrow goal to reduce food waste by 50%
Recently, Sodexo Campus employees had the opportunity to show off their waste-cutting skills during our annual GOALympics. This exciting and spirited competition rewards Sodexo sites for innovation in waste reduction through various competitions and awards.
GOALympics has clear objectives: Increase engagement, generate awareness and support, reinforce individual responsibility, and emphasize the value of reducing loss and repurposing food that might otherwise be wasted.
star performers
A Pizza-Perfect Performance from University of Cincinnati
The GOALympics team at the University of Cincinnati took food repurposing to the next level by hosting an Upcycle Pizza Party at Center Court. Each day during the second week of February, chefs developed creative and delicious specialty pizzas crafted from leftover ingredients from the unit. Students sampled the pizzas and rated each on a scale of 1-5. The chicken tikka masala pizza took the crown! And it will proudly be added to the pizza rotation at Center Court.
c Upcycled ingredients for the chicken tikka masala pizza came from surplus at UC’s Indian station, Choolaah.
Rogers State University Gathers the Gold
As part of the GOALympic games, Sodexo’s Reduction Raiders compete for the most significant percentage in food waste reduction for the segment. RSU was in it to win it! The Reduction Raiders at Rogers State collected the gold medal and reported an impressive and inspiring 79% reduction in food waste
Capturing Silver at University of Maine Orono
During the GOALympic games, the Meal Rescue Squad competition challenges participants to record the most meals saved at their site. UMaine Orono ran with the torch and captured the silver medal by turning in a magnificent, meal-saving performance.
Meals Saved: 9,130
Waste Avoided: 10,956 pounds
Supports Campus Outreach Efforts
The Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation is a global nonprofit network acting to achieve a hunger-free world. Sodexo employees are at the heart of the Stop Hunger mission and are committed to being changemakers for a sustainable world free of food insecurity.
In the United States, the Stop Hunger Foundation recognizes two critical realities: Nearly 40% of college students experience food insecurity, and ¹/3 of all available food goes uneaten through loss or waste
Turning Potential Waste Into Opportunity
Too often, perfectly good food is tossed aside on college campuses, especially at the end of an academic year when students leave their apartments and dorms. The Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation, in collaboration with Move For Hunger and Sodexo campus accounts, works with students to collect nonperishable food that otherwise would go in the trash and be wasted
Stop Hunger Grants Boost Outreach & Student Support
To directly support our campus outreach efforts, the Foundation also works with Swipe Out Hunger to provide campus food pantry grants ranging from $3,000 to $7,000 for campus food purchases and campus pantry infrastructure needs. Last year, Sodexo’s Stop Hunger Foundation directly supported 31 campus food pantries with grants that play a crucial role in addressing food insecurity among students.
In spring 2024, 26 campuses reported collecting 12,373 pounds of donated food, or about 10,311 meals! For spring 2025, the number of campuses participating has more than doubled!
