SODEXHO FOUNDATION CONTINUES ONGOING SUPPORT OF UNITED NEGRO COLLEGE FUND AND HISPANIC COLLEGE FUND WITH MAJOR, MULTI-YEAR GRANT ANNOUNCEMENT

GAITHERSBURG, MD, April 5, 2005 - The Sodexho Foundation (www.helpstophunger.org), Sodexho USA's independent charitable organization, announced today major grant commitments to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and the Hispanic College Fund (HCF) to provide scholarships for minority college students in need of financial assistance. Annual grants of $100,000 each will be provided over the next three years to the UNCF and the HCF.

The Sodexho Foundation supports programs that seek to address the underlying causes of hunger in America, which can include a lack of educational opportunities. The foundation has been supporting UNCF and HCF since 2003.

“The Sodexho Foundation is pleased to be able to provide funding to UNCF and HCF as long-term investments in our nation's future,” said Joan McGlockton, vice president for corporate responsibility at Sodexho USA and a foundation board member. “The foundation is committed to fighting the root causes of hunger in our communities and lack of education and unemployment are leading factors that put people at risk for hunger. By continuing our funding for higher education through UNCF and HCF, we can help to open the doors of opportunity and give students the tools, resources and education they need to be successful.”

The Sodexho grant to UNCF will fund scholarships awarded to financially disadvantaged students attending one of the organization's 38 member colleges, while the grant to the HCF will finance scholarships given to financially-disadvantaged Hispanic high school seniors who have been accepted by a college or university.

“The Sodexho scholarship fund is a critical component of UNCF's mission to provide educational opportunities to deserving men and women,” said Dr. Michael Lomax, president and CEO of UNCF. “This grant demonstrates Sodexho's continuing commitment to equality in higher education and is an example for other corporations to follow.”

“Sodexho has been a great supporter over the years and we are thrilled that they have renewed and increased their commitment to the scholarship program,” said Fernando Barrueta, president & CEO of HCF. “There are many bright and talented Hispanic youth who need our help and Sodexho understands that Hispanic youth are important to the future of this nation.”

Scholarship recipients must maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or above (on a 4 point scale) and demonstrate involvement in programs dedicated towards fighting the root causes of hunger.

About the United Negro College Fund

As the nation's oldest and most successful minority higher education assistance organization, the United Negro College Fund's mission is to provide financial support to its 38 member institutions and increase minority degree attainment by reducing financial barriers to college. UNCF institutions and other historically black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding 25% of African American baccalaureate degrees. UNCF administers nearly 450 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship programs, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. Today, UNCF supports more than 65,000 students at over 900 colleges and universities across the country. For more information, visit www.uncf.org

About the Hispanic College Fund, Inc.

The Hispanic College Fund is the premier scholarship organization focused on increasing the number of Hispanic professionals in the critical fields of business, science, engineering and mathematics. Since 1993, the Hispanic College Fund has awarded over $5 million in scholarships to more than 2,300 talented Hispanic students attending any 2 or 4-year accredited college or university. HCF's mission is to develop the next generation of Hispanic professionals in America. For more information about the HCF, visit www.hispanicfund.org.

About the Sodexho Foundation

The Sodexho Foundation is an independent charitable organization that is leading the fight against hunger by supporting initiatives that focus on eliminating the root causes of hunger in the US. Administrative costs are paid by Sodexho USA to ensure that all money raised is directed to those in need. For additional information about the Sodexho Foundation, go to www.helpstophunger.org.