Recognizing Excellence in Collegiate Dining

Collegiate foodservice is a demanding profession worthy of special attention. The many NACUFS awards and recognition opportunities celebrate success in culinary arts, menu design, merchandising, marketing, nutrition, and service to the association and the industry.

C-Store Best in the Business Awards

Recognizing leadership in product mix, marketing, layout, design and great new ideas, the C-Store “Best in the Business” competition provides an opportunity for college and university campuses to share stories of their latest improvements and highlight their retail and convenience store best practices.

Contest entries are due March 9, 2012. Learn More >

Culinary Challenge

The annual Culinary Challenge spotlights the best and brightest chefs in collegiate foodservice in an exciting live competition sanctioned by the American Culinary Federation. 

Registration is now open for the regional competitions. Learn more >

Nutrition Awards

Each year, the nutrition committee holds contests that celebrate innovative recipes and programs that promote health and wellness at member schools.

Contest entries are due April 27, 2012. Learn more >

Loyal E. Horton Dining Awards

One of the most prestigious competitions in collegiate foodservice, the Loyal E. Horton Dining Awards contest is a highly competitive peer recognition program. The awards recognize exemplary menus, presentations, special event planning, and dining concepts, and provide an avenue for sharing ideas and creative presentations.

Entries for Category 6 are due March 30, 2012. Entries for Categories 1-5 are due April 13, 2012.  Learn More >

Sustainability Awards

The unique NACUFS Sustainability Awards will annually recognize and honor member institutions that have demonstrated outstanding leadership in the promotion and implementation of environmental sustainability, specifically as it relates to campus dining operations.

Contest entries are due January 15, 2012. Learn More >

Individual Honors

Each year, NACUFS shows its appreciation to those who demonstrate outstanding service to the association and the industry by bestowing individual awards, including the Theodore W. Minah Distinguished Service Award, Richard Lichtenfelt Award, Distinguished Lifetime Member Award, Daryl Van Hook Industry Award, and the Regional Presidents' Awards.

Nominations for the Theodore W. Minah Distinguished Service Award, Distinguished Lifetime Member Award, and Daryl Van Hook Industry Award are due January 30, 2012. Learn more >

The NACUFS Student Employee of the Year Award is given annually to an outstanding foodservice student employee of a member institution, recognizing reliability, quality of work, initiative, teamwork, and contribution to his/her employer.

Nominations for the Student Employee of the Year Award are due March 30, 2012. Learn More >