Sodexo’s HeeBong Hyun Drives Student Wellness at SFSU and Beyond

HeeBong Hyun, RD, MS, a distinguished leader in the food service industry and General Manager for San Francisco State University (SFSU) Dining Services by Sodexo, is actively spearheading initiatives to elevate student wellness.

In a career distinguished by financial leadership exceeding 10 million dollars, expertise in P & L management, and adept budget planning, HeeBong recently earned the spotlight as Regional Health & Wellness Champion. Her influence extends far beyond SFSU, leaving a resonating impact across the entire California region.

Under her leadership, a recent SFSU campus initiative unfolded with the "Mindful Mile" event, presented by City Eats resident dining, on September 22nd, 2023. Aligned with the Walk a Mile initiative, this event promoted physical activity and a culture of healthy living among students.

The one-mile walk traced a scenic route around the campus, starting and concluding at the dining hall. To enhance the experience, participants received goodie bags filled with healthy and nutritious snacks, fostering a positive and engaging atmosphere.

Building on the success of the "Mindful Mile," HeeBong and her team introduced the "Homemade Sports Drink Day" at City Eats on October 13th, 2023. This event celebrated the importance of a healthy lifestyle and demonstrated the simplicity of crafting nutritious alternatives to store-bought products.

The star of the day was a refreshing homemade sports drink crafted with cherry juice, lemon juice, water, honey, and a pinch of salt—a delicious and nourishing alternative to commercially available sports drinks. Attendees not only enjoyed the delightful beverage but also received recipe cards, empowering them to recreate the nutritious drink at home and continue the healthy practice beyond the event.

With an impressive turnout of around 300 students, the event garnered significant interest and enthusiasm for health-focused initiatives. Students' positive feedback, expressed through their response to the homemade sports drink, has fueled a desire to see this healthy option featured more frequently on the City Eats menu.

Looking ahead, HeeBong will further enhance the dining experience for students through comprehensive campus audits of Simple Serving stations throughout the region. Simple Servings, a dedicated dining hall station, offers hot, flavor-forward meals prepared without eight of the nine most common allergens, catering to students with various dietary needs.

HeeBong's commitment to campus wellness extends to inclusive and allergen-conscious dining experiences for all students. These initiatives resonate with Sodexo's dedication to enhancing the quality of life for students within the campus community, marking a transformative period for dining services.