Healthy students use Zag Bites

In an effort to reinvent its image to align with Gonzaga and reach out to students, Sodexo's marketing team is using social networking to connect with the Gonzaga community.

The campaign, which is led by marketing manager Sarah Clifford, has included the development of a Twitter account, Facebook page, and more recently a blog called Zag Bites.

The blog features all things food-related at Gonzaga University and gives readers an opportunity to learn about Sodexo's admirable efforts to alter its relationship with students through projects such as their indoor garden and Meatless Mondays.

"We really wanted to rebrand our image to align it with Gonzaga's image. We have been with Gonzaga nearly 52 years and we wanted to rebrand ourselves to become part of the Gonzaga family. Thus, ‘Zag Dining' is breaking out as our new identity," Clifford said.

Clifford has an extensive background in social media, and last year she created a Facebook page and a Twitter account for Sodexo. However, Clifford explained that at the time she chose not to create a blog for Sodexo because she wanted to make sure that she had enough time to make the blog a success.

The Facebook page became popular and students quickly began to rely on the page for information about Sodexo. Gonzaga junior Keith Davidson said he often checked the Facebook page for information about menu schedules.

"Last year I always checked the Facebook page to see what was on the menu. It will be interesting to see what Sodexo will put on their blog," Davidson said.

Along with updates about Sodexo, the blog covers Sodexo's day-to-day activities and provides an open forum for conversation and communication with students.

"It is also a way to highlight our employees and staff so that students can get to know the people they see in the COG or Spikes," Clifford said. She went on to explain, "It is also meant to be informative on issues such as allergies and sustainable living."

According to Clifford, she plans to use the blog to get in-depth information out to students and use it as a medium to highlight Zag Dining events and programs.

"One of our issues is sustainability. We really care about sustainability and we want to show students that we care and that we are socially responsible. We are trying to tell our story better so that students know we partake in sustainable living and that we are passionate about it," Clifford said. "We do a lot with sustainability and we need to tell people better so that they know we care. The blog is one way that students, faculty and parents can learn about our efforts."

During the past two years, Zag Dining has made an effort toward a more sustainable dining experience with projects such as vegan and gluten-free options for students, as well as the composting program.

"As a vegetarian, I am pleased with Sodexo's efforts to increase vegetarian options in the COG. I know that this year they said they are going to have vegetarian options at every food counter," Davidson said. "Sustainability is something society needs to be conscious about and students have the right to vegetarian options."

This year, Zag Dining plans to launch a Stay Healthy program, according to Clifford. Stay Healthy is an Internet-based program that allows students to see their caloric intake as well as keep track of an exercise log.

In addition, Zag Dining will install a Leanpath scale in the main kitchen of the COG. The Leanpath is a scale that will be used in the food preparation area as a tool for the employees to become more conscious about what they are disposing of in an effort to reduce waste.

"The thing we are most looking forward to is seeing all the students come back and meeting the numerous needs of students and guests alike. All of our programs such as Leanpath, Stay Healthy and our vegan and vegetarian options evolved from requests and feedback from our students and guests," said Chuck Faulkinberry, the resident district manager of Sodexo.