Carole's story: good food can change lives

Carole Galissant
Carole GallisantDirector of Food and Nutrition, Sodexo France

As far back as I can remember, I've always wanted to make a difference. To help others. To contribute, in my own way, to making everyday life a little better.

From an early age, I realised that something as simple as food could have a profound impact on people's health, wellbeing, academic success and overall quality of life. I've always believed that eating well should never be a privilege, but a right that is accessible to everyone, regardless of their age, background or life journey.

This deep conviction has guided every step of my career for more than 30 years.

Today, as Director of Food Transition and Nutrition at Sodexo France, I sometimes think of myself as a "quiet revolutionary". Not because I'm leading highly visible battles, but because I believe in the power of small, everyday changes. An improved recipe, a more balanced menu, a child discovering a new vegetable, an older person rediscovering the pleasure of eating... It is these thousands of small changes that, together, ultimately transform lives.

And that's undoubtedly what continues to inspire me today.

Turning a passion for health into a profession

I began my career as a teacher. I was only 20 years old and felt I lacked the maturity and experience to make a real impact. So, I decided to specialise in nutrition and trained as a dietitian.

 

During my studies, I completed placements at Necker Hospital in Paris. It was the early 1990s, at the height of the AIDS epidemic. That period had a profound impact on me. I supported patients through incredibly difficult situations, and it was there that I discovered both the importance of healthcare and its limitations. 

That's when a conviction took root that has never left me: I wanted to act before illness appeared. I wanted to focus on prevention. So, I turned to contract catering because it offered the opportunity to reach not just a few dozen people, but thousands every day.

Helping children build healthier eating habits at school

I joined Sogeres at its central production kitchen in Villepinte. At the time, I was working in communities where many children faced challenging circumstances. For some, their school lunch was the only truly balanced meal they would eat all day.

Together with our kitchen teams, we shared one ambition: to help these children grow up healthier. We carefully selected ingredients, developed suitable recipes and led numerous food education initiatives in schools.

One memory stands out in particular: the workshops we organised for children who had recently arrived in France. Through discovering new foods, recipes and shared meals, we introduced them to an important part of French culture. Food became much more than nutrition, it became a way to build connections, foster integration and create a sense of belonging.

 

I'll never forget the expressions on the children's faces as they tasted certain foods for the very first time. Their curiosity, their surprise and, often, their delight. These were simple moments, yet incredibly meaningful. It was probably then that I fully understood the social and human dimension of our profession. 

Over the years, my career evolved from Quality Manager to Head of Nutrition. I helped harmonise our practices across the business and establish a network of dietitians united by the same mission. What I loved most during that period was the spirit of collaboration. I've always believed we achieve far more together than alone.

I've had the privilege of working alongside passionate chefs, dedicated dietitians and outstanding operational teams. Every one of them has taught me something.

When Sogeres became part of Sodexo, a new chapter began. I still remember the feeling of joining an organisation capable of operating at a completely different scale, one with the ability to influence the eating habits of millions of people over the long term.

I quickly realised that Sodexo's ambition extended far beyond simply serving meals. Here, food is recognised as a powerful driver of health, wellbeing and positive impact.

Our company has the power to create positive change

Today, my role is to ensure that nutrition sits at the heart of Sodexo France's food choices, from the products we source and the recipes we develop to the menus we design.

 

Every day, I champion one simple belief: contract catering is a major contributor to public health.

 

We support people at every stage of life, from children in schools and employees in workplaces to patients in healthcare settings and older adults. Few organisations have such a unique opportunity to positively influence people's eating habits. 

What makes me especially proud is the commitment of our teams. More than 250 dietitians work across our different market segments every day, developing solutions tailored to people's specific needs. Behind every menu, every recipe and every recommendation lies expertise, passion and a great deal of humanity.

I firmly believe that we nourish people with much more than food. We nourish their energy, their health, their memories and their emotions.

Above all, it's a human journey

When I look back on my career, the overwhelming feeling is one of gratitude.

When I first qualified as a dietitian, I could never have imagined one day leading nutrition strategy at a national level.

I've been fortunate to meet extraordinary people who believed in me, supported me and encouraged me to go further than I ever thought possible.

I also feel immense gratitude towards Sodexo. When the company entrusted me with responsibility for its nutrition strategy, it looked beyond qualifications and technical expertise. It chose someone with hands-on operational experience who understood both the realities of the field and the expectations of consumers. That trust has been instrumental in shaping my career.

Today, alongside my role at Sodexo, I also contribute to national discussions on food and nutrition as President of the Nutrition Commission of the SNRC and as a member of France's National Food Council (Conseil National de l'Alimentation). It is a responsibility I carry with humility, but also with great pride. 

Because, at heart, what has motivated me since day one has never changed: helping to build a healthier, more accessible and more sustainable food system for everyone.

 

And when I look back over the past thirty years, I can honestly say that good food really can change lives. I feel incredibly fortunate to play a part in making that happen every single day.

 

I'm proud to work for a company that is actively committed to tackling food insecurity. When a market leader moves forward, it helps move the entire sector forward with it. 

Find out more about a career with Sodexo.

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