Moments of Belonging That Empower Student Success

Sodexo’s revolutionary partnership with the National Council for Mental Wellbeing brings Mental Health First Aid resources to more than 300 partner colleges and universities to help strengthen student well-being and create more supportive campus dining environments. The partnership continues Sodexo’s ongoing work to create welcoming environments that foster connection and provide access to professional support resources in campus dining spaces that students use every day. 

For 20+ years, Sodexo and East Tennessee State University have worked together to provide meaningful pathways for student success through their work with the Washington County Schools Transition School to Work Program. This unique, public-private partnership helps high school students gain confidence as they successfully transition into higher ed and/or employment opportunities by combining classroom learning with inclusive, real-world experiences working in a campus dining environment.   

At McNeese State University, Sodexo dining team members like Terry Edwards do far more than serve meals — they create lasting memories and meaningful connections. Student Lilly Brady shared how Terry’s kindness, encouragement and true care had a lasting impact on her campus experience. From celebrating Lilly’s new job to checking in when she was sick, Terry serves as a powerful reminder that providing genuine student support often happens in everyday moments.   

Liberty University teamed up with its dining services team and other campus partners to turn food waste into something useful and fully engage students in its environmental stewardship efforts. By combining back-of-house sorting with student-friendly collection and disposal processes, the new composting program kept more than 96 tons of food waste out of landfills in 2025, created nutrient-rich compost to beautify campus landscaping, and cultivated new relationships across campus. 

The strong partnership between Eastern New Mexico University and Sodexo turned wellness programming into a meaningful student experience when Regional Dietitian Gina Vega and Student Success Specialist Winona Johnson worked together to bring a MyPlate presentation and hands-on, build-your-own bowl event to campus. The collaboration made nutrition feel approachable, boosted awareness about on-campus dietitian resources, and engaged more than 60 students in healthy dining and wellness support.   

During National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, Moravian University Dining Dietitian Sue Hurd partnered with the university’s Counseling and Psychological Services team to host an interactive wellness event encouraging students to practice self-kindness. Activities like the Insecurity Trashcan and an inspirational “PopsitiviTree” allowed students to let go of their insecurities while sparking lots of smiles and meaningful conversations. 

Delaware State University Dining is showing students that sustainability can be both creative and delicious with its annual Students Cook for Change Cookoff, where student teams transform locally sourced mystery ingredients into original dishes with guidance from DSU chefs. The event highlights how food can spark creativity while supporting local vendors, reducing environmental impact, and teaching students the value of sustainable cooking in a fun, hands-on way. 

At SUNY Oneonta’s 5th Annual Pillar Awards, six Sodexo team members were celebrated for the everyday moments of care, concern and encouragement that had a lasting impact on graduating students. Whether it was offering encouragement, mentoring student employees, sharing career advice or simply making someone smile, Sodexo’s dining team members were graciously recognized for creating a welcoming community where students feel seen, supported and inspired throughout their college journey.