Continuity of Service Maintained at University of North Carolina at Pembroke throughout Hurricane Matthew
Sodexo team ensures meals reach students, staff and emergency responders
GAITHERSBURG, Md., November 10, 2016 /3BL Media/ – Sodexo, world leader in Quality of Life services, proved its ability to continue service when Hurricane Matthew unexpectedly struck The University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP) last month. Even through the worst of the natural disaster, Sodexo’s team worked with the university to maintain service, feeding hundreds of students, staff and additional emergency personnel.
Early forecasts had predicted that Hurricane Matthew would leave North Carolina with little impact. An unexpected shift in the track, however, turned the storm ashore, taking power, roads, bridges and even lives. Authorities estimate that flooding in North Carolina from Hurricane Matthew caused as much as $10 billion in damage to 100,000 homes, businesses and government buildings.
“One of our core values at UNC Pembroke is collaboration. Throughout the storm and its aftermath, Sodexo demonstrated their value as a partner, maintaining continuity of service to our campus community,” said Jodi Phelps, executive director, university communications and marketing at UNC Pembroke. “The team on the ground showed dedication and compassion to all on our campus, often going above and beyond during this difficult time.”
Sodexo’s General Manager worked in tandem with its client, UNC Pembroke, to ensure that all students were fed. Once the power went out, Sodexo quickly changed its meal service to provide salads and sandwiches for students. When the storm caused conditions to deteriorate, making it difficult for some students to access the dining hall, the Sodexo team created box lunches for more than 900 people—providing service regardless of meal plan status.
Despite an ongoing power outage on Sunday, the dining services team was able to prepare hot meals by safely utilizing charcoal grills and propane tanks. All of which, was executed with a skeleton crew many of whom were facing their own personal storm-related challenges at home.
During the storm, the Sodexo team served every person who came to them, including staff, students, faculty, members of the National Guard, and other emergency operations personnel, all of whom were staged on campus during the storm and throughout the immediate recovery period.
Sodexo delivers more than 100 services across North America that enhance organizational performance, contribute to local communities and improve quality of life. The Fortune Global 500 company is a leader in delivering sustainable, integrated facilities management and foodservice operations.
Learn more about Sodexo at its corporate blog, Sodexo Insights.
