Tulane Dining provides 4,000 students food for hurricane prep

As Tropical Storm Marco was upgraded to a hurricane and Tropical Storm Laura is expected to become one, Tulane University prepared to keep the campus community safe by ordering a shelter in place during these weather events.

Prior to the storms, Tulane University Dining Services by Sodexo quickly mobilized to provide over 4,000 students, faculty, and staff with three days’ worth of non-perishable foods for the shelter in place.

“Our team did an amazing job and I could not be more thankful to the Sodexo management team who worked to ensure that our students, faculty, and staff received the supplies they needed to feel safe,” said District Manager Heather Bacque, RDN, LDN.

Tulane Dining and other campus partners got the word out to students and began assembly of meal supplies at 8am Sunday. All dining managers, Sodexo partners, staffing agency partners, and Sodexo employees - on their day off - reported to campus to help with packing and distribution.

"The overwhelming appreciation expressed by our Tulane students was heartwarming,” said Ed Daugherty, general manager for Residential Dining. “Our team always comes through in trying times. Roll Wave!”

All students were organized by residence hall and time to enter McAlister Auditorium to pick up their meals, following proper COVID protocols.

“This team, these cohorts and these family members brought the Sodexo mission statement to life,” said Charles Cundiff, general manager for Retail, Catering and Concessions. “Not only did we improve the Quality of Life of all we served yesterday we did it in the most typical New Orleans fashion…. with music, laughter, and love. Proud to be in that number.”

For more information, visit https://diningservices.tulane.edu/.

PHOTO CREDIT: Sally M. Asher