Empowering People. Embracing Communities.

Community is a feeling. It’s a continual act of supporting our neighbors, caring for one another, and coming together so that each person is strong enough to strengthen the whole. And community strength has never been more important than it is today.  

Unpredictable economics not only affect local businesses in a profound way, but they also have a significant impact on individual budgets already strained by the rising cost of living. With its large geographic footprint, and interdependent mixture of urban and rural areas, New York’s complex business environment can cause significant ripples across communities when volatile times come calling. And that is when we need community the most.

I’m proud to say that wherever Sodexo is, and in whatever communities we serve, we don’t just show up. We show up big.

Bringing value to our New York college and university partners by delivering affordable, economically resourceful, and uniquely delicious resident dining programs is only one way Sodexo has made (and is making) an impact on the well-being of the communities we serve. We are always searching for ways outside of the dining hall to have a positive impact, and our New York partners have declared themselves “all in!”  

One such example is the longstanding network of partners who work together each year in cooperation with Broome County Community Charities and Dick’s Sporting Goods to successfully host the annual Dick’s Sporting Goods Open. This PGA tournament and week-long series of community-focused events is a major economic driver for the local economy and raises millions of dollars for local Binghamton-area charities. 

With major support from the New York State legislature, regional community organizations, and generous corporations, the high-profile Dick’s Open requires year-round planning efforts between Broome County Community Charities and Sodexo’s team of committed volunteers from throughout the region. Fortunately, Sodexo can count on our very own Binghamton University Campus Executive Chef Charlie Williams, CEC, CC, who has managed this mammoth event for the past three years and who is clearly invested in both the event’s success and its positive impact on his community.

Catering this event means a lot to Charlie. He’s from Binghamton and takes great pride in the success of this event and in his leading role on behalf of Sodexo…he proudly wears his chef coat out on the course, even when it’s 90+ degrees out there!

The week-long event draws more than 75,000 people to the region each year and contributes an average of $16 million through heightened tourism and by uplifting small businesses. In addition to its local economic benefit, the event raises desperately needed funds for local nonprofits. The annual tournament has raised more than $21 million in donations for local charities so far.

To continue supporting a healthy business and community environment, Sodexo appreciates and supports New York state’s legislative efforts that encourage schools and businesses to purchase and promote locally grown, harvested, and produced goods. We are proud to work with our partners at each school in the SUNY system to strengthen local economies and contribute to a more resilient and equitable food system statewide with initiatives like MyKitchen.

MyKitchen is a unique dining venue and the result of creative collaboration between Oneonta Auxiliary Services, Sodexo Dining Services, SUNY Oneonta, and Mach Architecture & Engineering to highlight regional chefs and local restaurants. 

I hope it’s clear that the evolution of Sodexo’s dining initiatives represents our commitment to strengthening community — on campus and beyond. So, it only makes sense that students are a large part of that commitment. We like to provide students with frequent opportunities to be a force for good by actively engaging them in socially responsible and community-minded events and activities. And they’re embracing that role!  

Our vibrant student community is integral to the success of initiatives like our Stop Hunger Foundation food drives and on-campus food bank programs that provide healthy food options for anyone experiencing food insecurity.  

And what feels better than helping your neighbors while also having a little bit of fun? Students love to participate in Sodexo’s Grateful Plateful Sweepstakes, which features exciting drawings held several times each semester. By entering, they have the chance to win prizes and simultaneously contribute a donation to their charity of choice. SUNY New Paltz student Jack Copitch, who along with nine other randomly selected winners, received a $75 Visa gift card and the opportunity to donate $1,250 to his favorite charity, Foodbank NYC.

Binghamton University also stands out for hiring a new sustainability coordinator who not only assists in food waste reduction initiatives, but also coordinates bi-annual donation drives whereby students donate furniture, clothing, and other household goods to the community after moving out of their dorms and off-campus apartments. Binghamton’s Move Out Project has collected and distributed more than 82,000 pounds of donated goods to local charities since 2022.

Initiatives like this are a big bonus for people and the planet. 

Whether it's highly urbanized areas embracing dense populations, or rural communities surrounded by farmland, both environments require teamwork and dedication to people-driven solutions. Fortunately, New York’s colleges and universities thrive on innovation and rise to the challenge of building resilient communities.

And each of the community-building experiences Sodexo has the privilege in which to participate inspires us to be better, do better, and continue strengthening our school partnerships so that we can serve others this coming school year and for years to come.