Binghamton University announced it will not renew its food contract with Sodexo on Thursday, opting instead for a new 10-year partnership with Chartwells Higher Education, which operates at more than 330 colleges and universities. The contract is expected to start on June 1, 2026.

The announcement comes after a year of student activism around campus dining, particularly over concerns about food safety, dining accessibility and meal plan affordability. Over the past five years, all four dining halls on campus have received numerous health code violations, with the Chenango Champlain Collegiate Center failing seven out of eight health inspections conducted since. Oct. 23, 2020.

“This was a campus-wide effort, and we deeply appreciate the level of engagement we received from the campus community throughout,” Brian Rose, vice president for student affairs, said in a statement to BingUNews. “Students, faculty, and staff worked side by side throughout the process, bringing their perspectives to the table and helping shape this important decision for our community.”

The selection process was led by Envision Strategies, a food service consulting company, and the Binghamton Auxiliary Services Board. Announcements about updated “dining concepts, locations and program enhancements” are expected over the next few months, the University said.

Out of three finalists, Chartwells scored highest in an evaluation of its dining proposals. Factors like better technology, sustainability practices, inclusive dining options and “healthier and more diverse late-night choices” helped inform the selection.

According to its website, Chartwells Higher Education has made commitments to sustainably sourcing many ingredients, with around 98 percent of seafood sourced from sustainable populations. A significant percentage of poultry served through Chartwells is “produced without the routine use of human antibiotics,” according to the website.

The company is also committed to cutting food waste by 50 percent by 2030. Single-use plastics and straws are “only offered upon request,” while all single-use to-go containers are made from recyclable materials.

The Student Association unanimously adopted a “Resolution to Modernize On-Campus Dining” last semester, calling for changes like expanded access to kosher and halal options, greater transparency around food allergens and union protections for dining hall workers.

In a post on Instagram, the University’s chapter of the Young Democratic Socialists of America, which led a town hall in November to discuss student concerns with campus dining, said students “won kosher, halal, vegan options,” “stronger healthy and safety protections” and “a partial meal swipes system.” The post also said that the University “is already trying to back out of their commitments” to a meal swipe system and more dietary accommodations.

Next Monday, Chartwells staff are expected to meet with and answer questions from current dining team members.

Comment requests have been left with Chartwells and Sodexo.

This is a developing story and will be updated.