Elevating SUNY Campus Dining Through the James Beard Foundation

  • Feb. 12, 2026

Chef Efrén Hernández with SUNY chefs presenting plated dishes in a campus kitchen.

Across the SUNY system, campus dining plays a vital role in student engagement, belonging and daily life. Through Sodexo’s partnership with the James Beard Foundation, SUNY campuses are elevating the dining experience by welcoming award-winning chefs who bring bold flavors, cultural authenticity and culinary expertise to campus.


These chef-led activations showcase dishes inspired by both local traditions and global cuisines — creating shared moments that draw students together, support campus life and connect dining programs to the surrounding community.


Download the overview to explore how SUNY campuses are leveraging the Sodexo–JBF partnership to deliver inspired dining experiences students truly value. 

Read the overview

More from Sodexo at SUNY

  • Celebrating the Best of Culinary Creativity

    Image card with the text ‘2026 SASA Conference Battle of the Chefs, Sponsored by Sodexo.
  • Culinary Experiences That Spark Connection

    Culinary competitors smiling together with the Binghamton dining team.
  • Dining Initiatives That Fuel Student Success

    Chefs Bruno Souza and Tayuane Gorziza from Brazil at SUNY Delhi.
  • New Dining Concepts Designed for Today’s Students

    Snapshots of three dining concepts: Mediterra, Dilli Haat and Prime Time Patty’s.