Self-isolation is a significant concern for many students and Sodexo has been hearing this directly from the 100,000 plus students it is currently supporting through the Covid-19 pandemic.

Based on this knowledge, Sodexo has adapted many of its services to meet the needs of today’s students, offering catering options and wellbeing resources designed to provide additional support at a difficult time.

Working with multiple suppliers, Sodexo’s food and nutrition specialists have launched several new food delivery models specifically tailored to student requirements, with capacity to produce over one million meals per week.

Options include packed lunches and fresh evening meals prepared and delivered daily for students in self-isolation. Lunches include a choice of sandwich, piece of fruit, snack and a drink, while popular hot items are selected from a diverse call order menu.

Home-style dinner options allow students to choose from a wide range of gluten-free, meat, fish, vegetarian and vegan meals, while a frozen to reheat meal selection is produced using the latest packaging technology, designed for food safety.

All options are prepared by Sodexo chefs using the freshest seasonal ingredients, from trusted suppliers and ordering is made simple, using digital platforms that offer several options to be delivered directly to the door. 

For parents or loved one’s peace of mind, Sodexo eCheques can be easily bought for set amounts and exchanged for an eVoucher. These digital vouchers can be used to pay for goods at the main supermarkets and retailers across the UK and provide a great way to send a gift knowing that it can be spent safely.

In addition, hygiene packs are a convenient way for students to purchase a range of essential supplies designed to help with infection control and personal health. 

A holistic mind, body and wellbeing offering covers student’s requirements through easy access to mental health support and concierge-style services.

In partnership with Thrive, students can exclusively access a clinically effective app for the prevention, screening and management of anxiety, depression and stress. The NHS-approved app tackles common stressors such as sleep, bereavements and study issues with one student commenting:

The app is fantastic. I’ve found it helps keep my anxiety much calmer and I’m able to manage my stress so much better.  The app has useful hints and tips to help you, as well as exercises, they are all very accessible and easy to follow.

Sodexo’s concierge service, Circles, has also been adapted for student use, creating some semblance of a normal home from home environment by accessing many day-to-day life services, such as personal shopping requests, travel arrangements, leisure and food boxes.

Simon Knight, managing director, universities, Sodexo UK, said: “As our university partners face the ever-changing challenges to support students during lockdowns and quarantine periods, we are working harder than ever to ensure they have the best support to plan ahead and manage disruption.

“This new student offering is a reflection of how our teams and business can quickly adapt and develop services, creating bespoke lockdown solutions and bringing much needed improvements to the quality of life for isolating students.”

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