CSUSM and Sodexo Partner for Healthy Dining Initiatives

California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) announced its collaboration with Sodexo on the development of a new dining hall.

The Jan. 19 groundbreaking ceremony marked a significant milestone for the university's commitment to providing affordable housing and fostering a culture of health and wellness within the student community.

The new University Village project, scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2026, will increase the student housing capacity on campus to more than 2,500.

"We are thrilled to partner with Cal State San Marcos to make this amazing project come to life and cannot wait to welcome students into their new café,” said Jason Adams, Sodexo’s vice president for the West region. “We have wonderful partners in CSUSM that have been working with us for quite some time to make this vision a reality, and it is a blessing to be part of something that will be so impactful to the community."

The new 10,000-square-foot dining hall, with a seating capacity of 176 inside and an additional 96 on the patio, is tailored to meet the diverse needs of CSUSM students, faculty, and staff. Featuring six stations offering various culinary experiences, the dining hall will reflect the culinary expertise of CSUSM Dining by Sodexo, emphasizing local, healthy food options that contribute to the overall wellness of the campus community.

Key Features of the Project:

Affordable Housing: One of the primary goals of this project is to provide affordable housing options for students. It is being funded in part by $91 million that CSUSM received from Gov. Gavin Newsom and the California Legislature in their 2022-23 budget. Of the $497 million allocated for student housing projects on nine California State University campuses, CSUSM was given the second-highest amount.

Local, Healthy Food:

The dining hall emphasizes local, healthy food options, promoting wellness and sustainability. This initiative aligns with the university's dedication to fostering a healthy campus environment and providing students with nutritious dining choices.

“We all try every day to remove obstacles our students face in their pursuit of higher education, because worrying about rising rent costs or not knowing where your next meal may come from has an impact on a student’s academic and personal success,” President Ellen Neufeldt said during the event. “Here at CSUSM, we are dedicated to meeting those basic needs for all our students, and this project is a testament to that commitment."

This new dining hall, along with the existing Campus Way Cafe, underscores the university's commitment to providing a consistent and accommodating space for the student community, supporting both their academic and holistic needs.

About CSUSM

Building on a 35-year history, California State University San Marcos is a forward-focused institution, dedicated to student success fueled by innovation, education, and community partnerships. Located on a 306-acre hillside overlooking the City of San Marcos, it is the only public four-year comprehensive university serving North San Diego, Southwest Riverside and South Orange counties. For more information, visit csusm.edu.

About CSUSM Dining by Sodexo

CSUSM Dining by Sodexo is dedicated to providing innovative dining options for the CSUSM community. With a focus on quality, sustainability, and culinary excellence, the partnership aims to create a vibrant and inclusive dining experience on campus.