Spring Break
Sodexho: Not the model for ethical business
Dennis Cantwell
Issue date: 4/18/08 Section: Ed-Op
As a Drexel University student I am proud to see that the University's dining services are a part of the Food Alliance. Taking part in such sustainable practices illustrates that the institution cares about what it is providing to its diners.
Food Alliance is responsible for sustainable food practices that I hope more universities will get involved in. There is a growing trend of social and environmental consciousness spreading throughout the nation's younger generations. The promotion of moderation by educating students to limit their use to necessary quantities rather than excess of items such as napkins, cups and paper bags, as well as encouraging recycling in the dining hall, is showing the students that change is needed and that we are capable of such change.
Showing students the model of sustainability and conscious behavior should not stop with merely preserving napkins or recycling glass bottles. Such practices by the administration should set the standard for students. We are not solely being educated in the classroom but also by the practices and experiences that Drexel instills in us. Supporting the local community is important to many members of Drexel University.
Sodexho, a French-operated company that provides our food services at Drexel University, has been followed by storm clouds at nearly every institution with which it associates. Sodexho is known for providing multinational food services and facilities management while specializing in schools, universities, prisons, and even military contracts.
Many remember Sodexho from "Super Size Me," where the film illustrates the poor nutritional value and processed foods, which the company happily supplied Madison Junior High School in Illinois. Sodexho was also ousted from Portland State University after just two years into its seven-year contract with the university. The university would not go into detail over the dispute; however, officials claimed "inconsistencies" and "poor performance" were the result of the termination. Surely the student-orchestrated boycott played a pivotal role in the university's decision.
Food Alliance is responsible for sustainable food practices that I hope more universities will get involved in. There is a growing trend of social and environmental consciousness spreading throughout the nation's younger generations. The promotion of moderation by educating students to limit their use to necessary quantities rather than excess of items such as napkins, cups and paper bags, as well as encouraging recycling in the dining hall, is showing the students that change is needed and that we are capable of such change.
Showing students the model of sustainability and conscious behavior should not stop with merely preserving napkins or recycling glass bottles. Such practices by the administration should set the standard for students. We are not solely being educated in the classroom but also by the practices and experiences that Drexel instills in us. Supporting the local community is important to many members of Drexel University.
Sodexho, a French-operated company that provides our food services at Drexel University, has been followed by storm clouds at nearly every institution with which it associates. Sodexho is known for providing multinational food services and facilities management while specializing in schools, universities, prisons, and even military contracts.
Many remember Sodexho from "Super Size Me," where the film illustrates the poor nutritional value and processed foods, which the company happily supplied Madison Junior High School in Illinois. Sodexho was also ousted from Portland State University after just two years into its seven-year contract with the university. The university would not go into detail over the dispute; however, officials claimed "inconsistencies" and "poor performance" were the result of the termination. Surely the student-orchestrated boycott played a pivotal role in the university's decision.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Anonymous
posted 4/19/08 @ 2:55 AM EST
I commend you for writing this article. I have researched sodexho as well, and I think the next step is to plan some sort of a boycott. From the comment cards alone, it seems as though the University is sick of sodexho. (Continued…)
Jon Zimmermann
posted 4/22/08 @ 8:57 AM EST
You make some outstanding points. However when it comes a company paying low wages and using lower quality food, do you not put some of that burden on yourself and your university? I am sure Sodexo was one of many bidders for food service and I am sure they were the low bidder. (Continued…)
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