New Oasis for Healthy Lifestyle in Palm Desert

PALM DESERT, CA, July 18, 2005-Sodexho USA (NYSE: SDX), the nation's leading provider of food and facilities management services, announced today the opening of the first Sodexho Wellness and Nutrition Center, located in Palm Desert, Calif. The center will open its doors to the entire community this month, offering both walk-in and referral services for patients.

The Sodexho Wellness and Nutrition Center will offer several programs such as Create Your WeightSM adult weight management, Elite Nutrition Management, Outreach NutritionSM lunch and learn nutrition classes, metabolic testing using the innovative MedGem®, nutrition therapy, counseling and sports nutrition. Additional information and interactive tools such as nutrition and body mass index calculators can also be found at www.sodexho-hc-wellness.com.

“While Sodexho currently provides wellness and nutrition offerings at many acute care facilities, we recognized a need for these offerings among the general public in the Palm Desert community,” said Elizabeth Quigley, RD, manager for Sodexho's wellness and nutrition services. “Research has shown us that this is an active community which is conscientious about wellness, nutrition, sports and a well-balanced lifestyle.”

“Wellness and nutrition are top priorities for Sodexho,” said George Chavel, president of Sodexho's Health Care Services Division. “We have invested significant expertise and resources to create educational materials and programs to help our customers maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle through nourishment of mind, body and soul. We believe that our new Wellness and Nutrition Center will be an excellent resource to help improve the quality of life for the people of Palm Desert.”

Sodexho is the leading provider of food and facilities services to hospitals, nursing homes and long term care facilities, with more than 1,600 healthcare client accounts, and is the nation's largest private employer of registered dietitians. The company has plans for opening additional wellness and nutrition centers throughout the country, with the next one scheduled to open in Denver in September.

Sodexho USA (www.sodexhoUSA.com) is the leading provider of food and facilities management in the United States, with $6 billion in annual revenue and 120,000+ employees. Sodexho USA offers innovative outsourcing solutions in food service, housekeeping, grounds keeping, plant operations and maintenance, asset management, and laundry services to more than 6,000 corporations, health care, long term care and retirement centers, schools, college campuses, military and remote sites in North America. Headquartered in Gaithersburg, MD, Sodexho USA proudly serves as the official food service provider for the US Marine Corps.