Nutrition Awards

This award focuses on fun and creative events to get students and guests involved in the experience of nutrition in their dining program. The winner of this award will showcase one initiative taken from the calendar year to engage their guests and provide education on nutrition.

The 2025 Wellness and Nutrition Program of the Year winners are:

Gold: 

University of Maryland

Washington University in St Louis

Silver: 

Grand Valley State University

University of Florida

In recognition that meeting students’ needs is a top priority for collegiate dining operations, NACUFS is offering an award category within its Nutrition Awards program. This new category will recognize programs that not only meet but exceed their students’ dietary and nutritional needs (including, but not limited to, religious restrictions, allergens, and lifestyle preferences).

The 2025 Special Diet Program of the Year winners are:

Gold:

University of Arizona

Silver:

University of North Carolina - Wilmington

Bronze:

American University

University of Maryland

This award recognizes institutions who creatively showcase their special diet offerings in one amazing recipe. Whether your program excels at gluten-free, vegan, halal, kosher, or another special diet offering, your recipe can be submitted to this category (including, but not limited to, religious restrictions, allergens, and lifestyle preferences).

The 2025 Special Diet Recipe of the Year winners are:

Gold:

University of North Carolina - Charlotte

Silver:

University of North Texas

Bronze: 

The University of Pennsylvania

Elon University

In recognition that meeting sustainability is a top priority for collegiate dining operations and utilizing local foods is a sustainable practice, NACUFS is offering an award category within its Nutrition Awards program. This category will recognize programs that utilize local foods in unique and creative ways.

The 2025 Best Local Foods Recipe of the Year winners are:

Gold:

University of Connecticut

Silver:

The University of Pennsylvania

University of Arizona

Bronze: 

Loyola University Maryland