News Archive
WBNG Reports - Binghamton University dining manager wins Everyday Heroes Award
July 21, 2023
Binghamton University Dining Services Retail Operations Manager Christopher Harasta was one of five people in the country to receive the “2023 Everyday Heroes Award” from the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation.
Dining Services manager named a Sodexo Hero of Everyday Life
July 13, 2023
Chris Harasta, retail operations manager in the Marketplace, was recognized for his dedication to community sustainability and food insecurity initiatives, including the the Move Out Project, Food Recovery Network and Volunteers Improving Neighborhood Environments (VINES).
Plant-based Culinary Innovation Comes to Binghamton
May 10, 2023
Jennifer DiFrancesco, the director of culinary innovation for Sodexo Campus, shared her plant-based passion with Binghamton University students and staff for A Day of Plant-Based Innovation on April 27. Read more to learn about the events organized by Binghamton University Dining Services (BUDS), including samplings of plant-based menu items and multiple cooking demonstrations hosted at the Culinary MakerSpace in Hinman Dining Center.
Binghamton Students and BUDS Management Team say “Thank U”
April 10, 2023
Employers across the country utilize National Employee Appreciation Day (NEAD) as an opportunity to express their gratitude for the hard work and dedication of their employees. Every year NEAD is celebrated on the first Friday of March.
From Grab-and-Go to Made-to-Order, Students with Dietary Restrictions Have Options
February 10, 2023
For students with food allergies and dietary restrictions, going away to college means determining what to eat, where to eat, and what meals are safe to eat. Learn more about the different options Binghamton University Dining Services offers to accommodate students with special dietary needs.
Chick-N-Bap Makes QSR's 2023 Top 40/40 List of America's Hottest Startup Fast Casuals
February 07, 2023
Chick-N-Bap makes QSR's 40/40 List for 2023's America's Hottest Startup Fast Casuals, representing 40 restaurants with less then 40 locations they believe are on the verge of something big. Read more about how Sung Kim, Binghamton University alum and Chick-N-Bap founder, developed this concept and brought it to campus!
Sustainable, Convenient, and Free: Grab an OZZI To-Go Container from Any Resident Dining Hall
February 06, 2023
In the Spring of 2020, Binghamton University Dining Services (BUDS) joined forces with the Student Culinary Council (SCC) to bring a new, environmentally friendly take-out container system to campus known as OZZI. Having made national headlines for its impact on waste reduction, OZZI is the leading sustainability partner for university campuses, restaurants, and other business facilities across the United States.
Binghamton University Community Comes Together to Stop Hunger
November 07, 2022
Each semester, Binghamton University Dining Services (BUDS) partners with Broome County CHOW (Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse) and our on-campus Food Pantry to provide a variety of food items to Binghamton students and Broome County residents facing food insecurity through a week-long food drive called Stop Hunger. This semester, Stop Hunger ran from Monday, October 24 until Sunday, October 30 and resulted in the donation of 16,400 meals.
Binghamton University Dining Services provides industry experience for Culinary Institute of America students
November 01, 2022
In addition to the over 18,000 students currently enrolled at Binghamton University, one additional student was excited to come to campus this fall to get hands-on experience and contribute to the campus community through a new externship program with Binghamton University Dining Services (BUDS).
BUDS Celebrates Earth Day
May 12, 2022
Earth Day is a time for us all to think about what we can do to support our environment and share the different ways that we can better our environmental impact and practice sustainability. This Earth Day, on April 22, Binghamton University Dining Services (BUDS) joined in on University festivities and held exciting activities of our own!
Stop Hunger Aids Food Pantry and Students on Campus
April 28, 2022
Each semester, Binghamton University Dining Services (BUDS) partners with Broome County CHOW (Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse) and the Binghamton University on-campus Food Pantry to provide a variety of food items to students and Broome County residents facing food insecurity through the week-long Stop Hunger Food Drive.
BUDS Celebrates National Employee Appreciation Day
March 18, 2022
Binghamton University Dining Services (BUDS) would be nothing without our incredibly dedicated and hardworking employees; so, when it came to National Employee Appreciation Day (NEAD) on March 4, we wanted to make sure our employees were celebrated and knew how much we appreciate all that they do.
Binghamton Faculty, Staff and Students Work Together to Help Fight Hunger
November 08, 2021
Each semester, Binghamton University Dining Services (BUDS) partners with Broome County CHOW (Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse) and our on-campus Food Pantry to provide a variety of food items to students and Broome County residents facing food insecurity through a week-long food drive called Stop Hunger.
Food Management Reports: Binghamton University alumni launches bubble tea stand on campus
October 22, 2021
New York’s Binghamton University has a new bubble tea concept on campus—and a former student is running the show.
Food Service Director Reports: Binghamton University grad launches bubble tea concept on campus
October 20, 2021
In June, Leighton Blackwood graduated from Binghamton University’s School of Management. Five months later, he is operating his bubble tea concept, 2nd Heaven, at the student union on campus, partnering with foodservice provider Sodexo to turn his undergrad entrepreneurial project into a reality.
NewsChannel 34 Reports: Binghamton University Business Administration graduate opens bubble tea store
October 08, 2021
A recent Binghamton University graduate took what he learned from his time at Binghamton and just became a business owner.
Supply Chain and Labor Notice
August 19, 2021
We appreciate your understanding as we experience some potential changes to product availability and staffing...
BUDS Blog: BUDS Works to Reduce its Ecological Impact
April 22, 2021
Every April 22, countries around the world observe Earth Day. Scientists, leaders, activists and communities come together to discuss the environmental crisis and how we can combat it. This year's theme is Restore our Earth™. Binghamton University Dining Services (BUDS) joins the conversation by highlighting some of the ways we are decreasing our ecological footprint and doing our part to save the environment.
Student Feedback Enhances Kosher Korner
April 08, 2021
Kosher Korner (KK) is located in the C4 Dining Center and is Orthodox Union certified. Binghamton University Dining Services (BUDS) acknowledges KK plays a vital role in our community by serving students who observe a Kosher diet. It also stands proudly as one of the few Kosher establishments in Broome County.
BUDS Blog: Meet Brendan Hurley, the Intern Behind Bearcat Byte
April 07, 2021
Brendan Hurley is a Binghamton University Dining Services (BUDS) Editorial Intern. He is also the voice behind Bearcat Byte.
Stop Hunger Campaign to Raise Funds for People Facing Food Insecurity
March 26, 2021
The Stop Hunger food drive is a bi-annual event centered on raising supplies for students and Broome County residents facing food insecurity. This year, Binghamton University Dining Services (BUDS) will hold the campaign from March 26 to April 2. All contributions will go to the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse (CHOW®) and the University Food Pantry.
Food Network Feature: 10 Small Changes to Eat Healthier Forever
March 18, 2021
Research shows that making small changes to your current eating plan tends to work much better in the long run. BUDS Dietitians Julie Lee, MS, RD, CDN and Alexa Schmidt, RD, CDN recommend fueling up on fiber-rich foods and bridging the gap between meals with healthy snacks; find their advice on slides 2 and 6!
National Nutrition Month® - Personalize Your Plate with BUDS
March 08, 2021
National Nutrition Month® is a campaign created by The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. During March, organizations across the country strive to educate the public on the importance of healthy eating. Binghamton University Dining Services (BUDS) joins the movement by highlighting how students can make campus dining easy, balanced and delicious.
BUDS Blog: National Employee Appreciation Day
March 04, 2021
Binghamton University Dining Services (BUDS) is composed of spectacular employees whose collective efforts make our work possible.
BUDS Blog: 5 Exciting Reasons Breakfast, Burgers & Beyond Follows a Rotating Menu
February 24, 2021
Binghamton University Dining Services rebranded Cakes and Eggs to Breakfast, Burgers and Beyond (BB&B). The station is conveniently located in the MarketPlace and serves delicious breakfast sandwiches and platters and an extensive array of burgers. The creator of BB&B's burgers, Chef Charlie Williams, CEC, CCA, said the menu rotates to allow for innovative ideas, holiday celebrations and seasonal flavors, among other exciting reasons.
8 New Things Coming to Campus Dining This Spring
January 22, 2021
Binghamton University Dining Services (BUDS) is always looking for new and exciting ways to reinvent and evolve our services on campus. We have been busy getting ready to re-open the spring semester with some new and exciting concepts that are sure to make your taste ‘BUDS’ come back for more!
New Services for the Spring Semester in Dining
January 13, 2021
The launch of the Spring semester will mark the opening of new concepts and increased menu options in resident and retail dining as compared to the Fall semester.
Joseph Laskaris Receives a Second Star Award
December 10, 2020
Our very own Joe Laskaris received the Binghamton University STAR Award. His extraordinary service as BUDS' catering director made him the only person in the university's history to receive the award for a second time.
Feeding Quarantined/Isolated Students Requires Effort
November 16, 2020
To support the student experience while the campus manages the spread of COVID-19, Binghamton University Dining Services (BUDS) has created a comprehensive meal delivery service for students in campus isolation or quarantine housing.
BUDS to Celebrate World Vegan Month
November 03, 2020
November is World Vegan month and Binghamton University Dining Services (BUDS) will celebrate it by hosting a vegan dinner event. Through it, we hope to educate the public on veganism while also introducing students to meals free of animal products.
Joyce Haines, Celebrating 50 Years of Service at Binghamton University
September 24, 2020
Binghamton University Dining Services (BUDS) is proud to recognize outstanding employees for their hard work and dedication to service. This year we are celebrating one of our exceptional employees, Joyce Haines, on her 50th anniversary at Binghamton University.
Dining on Campus: Safety and Changes
September 15, 2020
Binghamton University Dining Services (BUDS) maintains that the health and safety of our students and staff is our top priority, and we will continue to work to provide great services in these uncertain times.
Bearcat Chats: Updates to Dining Services
September 04, 2020
On this edition of Bearcat Chats, host Jacob Wilkins addresses questions and concerns about the changes to Binghamton University Dining Services this semester with Jim Ruoff (District Manager, BUDS) and Yuhan Bae of the Student Culinary Council.
Restarting Binghamton: Campus Dining Options and Updates For Fall
August 13, 2020
How Binghamton University will provide a safe campus dining experience for students, faculty and staff
Binghamton University Dining News
July 20, 2020
What to expect when campus dining reopens on August 17
together we rise! Dining on Campus in the Now and New Normal
June 02, 2020
Students and parents are concerned about the potential dangers of campus life in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dining has become an area of particular focus, with consumers expressing a heightened emphasis on food safety and flexible dining options. This brief communication piece explains the steps Sodexo is taking to safeguard the health and well-being of everyone who dines on campus.
Binghamton University Dining Services Gives Back to Employees Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
May 26, 2020
Binghamton University Dining Services is finding a way to help BU employees during this difficult time.
A Note to Our Guests About the Coronavirus
March 12, 2020
We take our responsibility for the well-being of the communities we serve seriously and want to share with you the contingency measures we are taking to keep the communities we serve and our employees safe.
From Disposable To Reusable, One Meal at a Time
February 04, 2020
The OZZI system, now in place in Binghamton University’s dining halls — two in Chenango Champlain, two in Appalachian and one in College-in-the-Woods — allows diners to fill a reusable container with food and return the container after use.
BUDS Dietitian Navigates On-Campus Dining for Week-Long Healthy Eating Challenge
December 09, 2019
Before diving into the full Healthy Campus Meal Challenge blog, check out this Q&A with campus dietitian and resident dining hall expert Julie Lee (MS, RD, CDN) for some background info and quick tips!
Binghamton University Dining Services Replaces Starbucks Store with a Mobile Truck
November 14, 2019
This fall semester, Sodexo at Binghamton University added the first Starbucks mobile truck to the Sodexo portfolio of food service technologies.
Binghamton University receives A+ rating from PETA
November 14, 2019
This November, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals conducted its nationwide survey of vegan options in college dining halls, assigning each university a letter grade and subsequent ranking according to the quality and variety of vegan food on its campus.
The Chenango Room - The Best Sit-Down Restaurant On Campus
September 05, 2019
The Chenango Room offers a place for students and faculty alike to enjoy a meal in a bustling, yet cozy, cafe environment.
Hinman Dining Hall to get a new look
July 29, 2019
Exciting changes are coming to campus dining services this fall, beginning with the addition of a Starbucks truck to campus as Hinman Dining Hall undergoes a major renovation.
College concept uses student input to balance sustainability and appeal
July 17, 2019
Binghamton University’s Fresh Impressions was created in collaboration with the campus student food sustainability group.
BUDS Cashier honored by Services for Students with Disabilities
April 25, 2019
Dining Services cashier recognized this month for her encouragement and assistance to students with disabilities.
Binghamton University chefs receive American Culinary Federation CEC® certification
April 06, 2018
Binghamton University Dining Services today announced Chefs Charlie Williams and Sam Pfaffenbach have earned Certified Executive Chef® (CEC®) designation...
BUDS Dietitian featured on Readers Digest Avocado Recipes That Will Make Your Mouth Water
April 06, 2018
Julie Lee, MS, RD, at Binghamton University shares this easy breakfast option to fuel your morning. The combination of healthy fats from the avocado, protein from the egg, and complex carbs from the toast breakdown slowly...
Service in the snow Binghamton University dining halls open during state of emergency
April 06, 2018
Binghamton University Dining Services (BUDS) is receiving great praise from students, faculty and administration for its seamless service during winter storm Stella which blasted the East Coast this month.
The Binghamton area received over 31 inches of snowfall.
Over the course of the two-day blizzard, BUDS served 21,137 meals, obtained safe accommodations for 42 employees, and engaged stud...
Binghamton University Dining donates nearly 10,000 meals to the hungry
April 06, 2018
A coordinated effort by Binghamton University Dining Services (BUDS) and students helps fill a bus with 7,125 pounds of donated food which converted to nearly 10,000 meals.
The program was a comprehensive initiative spearheaded by BUDS that involved numerous campus departments and students. Results benefited students in need on campus and hungry families in the community. Non-perishables as wel...