Building community through dining at SUNY campuses

One shared mission: student success

For nearly four decades, Sodexo has partnered with SUNY campuses to elevate the student experience. Food is a top driver of student engagement, and campus dining is a powerful opportunity to create shared experiences that foster a sense of belonging and propel students to flourish.

 

From fostering innovation in campus kitchens to helping students build lifelong connections, we’re proud of the stories that show how dining can shape a thriving campus culture.

 

Whether you’re celebrating a long-standing partnership or exploring new possibilities, discover how Sodexo continues to drive meaningful impact — on campus and beyond.

  • A cook helps a student at the SUNY Plattsburgh UCook   station.

    Stir, Sizzle, Succeed – SUNY Dining Gets a Glow-Up

    SUNY schools are using self-cook stations to turn resident dining into interactive hubs where students experiment with flavors, build confidence and gain real-world skills. 
  • Bright pink background with the text 'Shine On' and '#thankstothem,' graphic for Sodexo’s National Employee Appreciation Day celebration.

    Recognition and Reach That Goes Beyond Dining

    Great campuses thrive because of great people. By intentionally recognizing our teams, we strengthen campus culture, elevate service and enrich the student experience.
  • A SUNY New Paltz dining team member smiles while cooking in the campus dining kitchen.

    Storm-Tested Teams, Student-Focused Mission

    Sodexo’s dining teams braved record-setting snowstorms and frigid temperatures to keep SUNY students warm, well-fed and smiling — proving that care and community endure, no matter the weather.
  • College student in professional attire handing a resume to a recruiter at a campus career fair.

    Strengthening SUNY Oneonta’s Community Impact

    SUNY Oneonta and Sodexo are building stronger town‑and‑gown connections through community engagement and hands‑on internships that prepare students for meaningful careers.

Discover more stories

  • Creating Opportunities for Authentic Connection

    Sodexo is transforming campus dining into spaces for authentic connection, empowering students through shared meals, engagement efforts and opportunities to lead. 
    Hobart and William Smith Colleges students at their first-ever Community Table dinner event.
  • Global Internships Foster Growth and Exploration

    SUNY Oneonta students recently embarked on an international journey to gain invaluable real-world experience through Sodexo’s Global Internship Program.
    Group of interns gathered closely around a table, engaged in a lively discussion.
  • New Retail Dining Concepts Coming to Campuses

    Three new fast-casual dining concepts provide fresh flavors, exciting experiences and comforting foods designed for Gen Z’s appetite for authenticity and bold flavor.
    Snapshots of three dining concepts: Mediterra, Dilli Haat and Prime Time Pattys.

In the spotlight… 

From high-impact retail launches to student-powered sustainability efforts, these snapshots highlight the creativity, collaboration and results energizing SUNY campuses. 

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  • Oneonta & Sodexo’s Sustainability Win

    The partnership between Sodexo and SUNY Oneonta continues to drive meaningful sustainability progress. Together, they’ve implemented the Grind2Energy recycling system and strengthened relationships with local farms to divert waste from landfills and generate renewable energy. Since fall 2024, 463 tons of food waste have been processed, and dining room waste has dropped from eight bags to one — a measurable achievement benefiting both the campus community and the environment. 
    Dining hall staff places food into a bowl behind the counter while a student waits at a SUNY Oneonta dining hall station.
  • Mediterra: Fresh New Flavors at SUNY New Paltz

    Mediterra is a perfect match for campus life at SUNY New Paltz! Sodexo’s latest retail concept blends the crowd-pleasing flavors of Mediterranean cuisine with the freedom of build-your-own bowls and pitas. With fresh ingredients and bold sauces, New Paltz students can create something that feels totally theirs. Since opening day, the concept has been buzzing — giving students a welcoming spot to share plates with friends, or a quick, convenient way to grab healthy, global bites. 
    Mediterra station at SUNY New Paltz dining hall, with staff preparing meals behind the counter and digital menu boards displayed overhead.
  • Innovative Partnerships That Fuel Future Success

    To support SUNY Plattsburgh’s mission of providing career-relevant experiences that strengthen student belonging and academic success, Sodexo partnered with Saxbys Coffee to launch a new, student-led, experiential café on campus. This innovative approach to college dining helps students build confidence and real-world leadership skills through paid roles where they can manage teams, oversee supply chains, and make financial decisions while engaging with their campus community.
    Burghy, the mascot of SUNY Plattsburgh, standing in front of the campus sign holding a cup of Saxbys coffee.
  • Serving Up a Flavor Festival for All Diets 

    SUNY New Paltz students are raving about Choolaah, the new Indian food station that’s spicing up campus dining with a festival of flavors and choices for everyone. With plenty of customizable vegan, vegetarian, meat, and gluten-free options, Choolaah’s launch in the Peregrine Dining Hall stirred up excitement and is making every student’s taste buds — and dietary needs — feel right at home.
    Choolah, the Indian food station inside Peregrine Dining Hall at SUNY New Paltz.
  • Mills Hall Renovation Satisfies Cravings

    SUNY Oneonta's Mills Hall has a delicious upgrade designed to save students time and make their day easier. The newly renovated Marketplace is a one-stop shop for student cravings, offering quick access to groceries and favorite foods. The new space features "Yella's" for subs, burgers, and milkshakes, as well as a full sushi concept with fresh rolls and poke bowls.
    Two Oneonta students shopping in Mills Marketplace, a campus convenience store.

Understand today’s students

Download the free 2024-2025 Student Lifestyle Survey, which examines current perceptions regarding higher education and highlights opportunities to meet students’ evolving needs.

Collage for the 2023 Student Lifestyle Survey report featuring students, food, and mobile technology.

Elevate your campus experience today