Dollywood has them. Gas stations have them. Now, Sodexo and Lee University have partnered to create a solution to the ultimate college student need, quick and affordable hydration — 30 oz. refillable cups. This partnership has created special deals and low-price refills of your favorite drinks for everyday life on campus.
Photo by Hannah Kendrick
“This is a project that we worked on closely with Lee University. It is a co-branded project. We were looking to benefit the students, faculty and staff by giving them an option to have a great looking cup, but also to give them cheaper refills across campus without all the waste of disposable products,” said James Maney, general manager of food operations for Sodexo campus, shared the inspiration for the collaboration. “Sodexo strives on sustainability, this met our motto, but also gave a great opportunity for everybody on campus to benefit, sharing the school logo with Sodexo,” Maney said.
Students can purchase a cup at any of the retail locations across campus, and gain access to $1 refills on foun- tain drinks, coffee, and a $2 refill on lemonade at Chick-fil-A.
Taylor Kelo, director of marketing for Sodexo at Lee, explains Sodexo’s initiative to increase sustainability on campus with a variety of dining options that include take-away cups.
According to Maney, students can purchase a cup at any of the retail locations across campus, and gain access to $1 refill on fountain drinks, coffee, and a $2 refill on lemonade at Chick-fil-A.
Taylor Kelo, director of marketing for Sodexo at Lee, explains Sodexo’s initiative to increase sustainability on campus with the sip cups.
“It’s a good deal because you’re getting refills, but it’s also good for our planet. We have a lot of waste when it comes to cups...It is a good alternative,” Kelo said.
Kelo emphasizes the advantage of easy hydration for students.
“We all get busy. I was a student not too long ago, and we don’t always drink enough water or keep our bodies rehydrated. I think it’s a good reminder to students to keep their bodies fueled no matter what they put in the cup, whether that’s powerade and water,” Kelo said. Kelo looks forward to the future of this program.
“I believe this is something that they’re going to continue to do, and they’re going to rebrand the cups each semester to have a new design. Hopefully, this is something that continues to go well and can be used for semesters to come,” she said.
Cups can be purchased for $20 at all dining locations or at the Lee convenience store managed by Sodexo.
