2026 grand prize winners recognized

July 20, 2026

2026 grand prize winners recognized

NACUFS recognizes innovative campus dining programs creating healthier, more connected, and more sustainable communities 

 

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – From student-designed retail concepts and culturally inclusive dining programs to campus gardens that transform food waste into fresh ingredients, college and university dining teams are redefining what campus dining can accomplish. On Saturday, the National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS) recognized that work by announcing the grand prize winners of its 2026 Loyal E. Horton Dining Awards, Nutrition Awards, and Sustainability Awards during the NACUFS 2026 National Conference in New Orleans. 

"This year's winners reflect the remarkable ways collegiate dining continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of students," said Robert Nelson, NACUFS president & CEO. "These programs go beyond operational excellence to create stronger campus communities while advancing innovation, sustainability, and student well-being. Together, they showcase how dining has become an essential contributor to the student experience." 

The awards recognize outstanding programs that support student health, advance environmental stewardship, and demonstrate excellence in collegiate dining operations.  

Gold, silver, and bronze winners in each category were announced in June. The 2026 grand prize winners are: 

 

Loyal E. Horton Dining Awards 

  • Michigan State University 

    • Employee Development Program of the Year 

  • Rollins College 

    • Retail Sales Marketplace 

  • SUNY Geneseo, Campus Auxiliary Services 

    • Residential Special Event of the Year 

  • The University of Texas at Austin 

    • Outreach & Education Program of the Year 

  • University of Arizona 

    • Catering Special Event of the Year 

  • University of Florida 

    • Innovative Dining Program of the Year 

  • University of Montana 

    • New Facility of the Year 

  • University of Pittsburgh 

    • Retail Sales Multiple Concepts 

  • University of Wisconsin - Madison, Wisconsin Union 

    • Catering Program of the Year 

    • Retail Sales Single Concept 

  • West Texas A&M University 

    • Renovation of the Year 

 

NACUFS 2026 Nutrition Awards 

  • Northeastern University 

    • Special Diet Program of the Year 

 

NACUFS 2026 Sustainability Awards 

  • Harding University  

    • Waste Reduction  

 

To learn more about NACUFS awards, view the full list of winners, and explore their submissions, visit www.NACUFS.org/membership/awards-gallery-2026.  

To learn more about the NACUFS awards programs and view the full list of winners, click here.

NACUFS 2026 grand prize winners

Grand prize winners of the 2026 Loyal E. Horton Dining, Nutrition, and Sustainability Awards are pictured. 

  • Innovative Dining Program of the Year: University of Florida

  • Catering Program of the Year: University of Wisconsin - Madison, Wisconsin Union

  • Residential Special Event of the Year: SUNY Geneseo, Campus Auxiliary Services

  • Outreach & Education Program of the Year: The University of Texas at Austin

  • Retail Sales: Single Concept of the Year: University of Wisconsin - Madison, Wisconsin Union

  • Retail Sales: Multiple Concepts of the Year: University of Pittsburgh

  • Renovation of the Year: West Texas A&M University

  • New Facility of the Year: University of Montana

  • Catering Special Event of the Year: University of Arizona

  • Employee Development Program of the Year: Michigan State University

  • Retail Sales: Marketplace of the Year: Rollins College

  • Special Diet Program of the Year: Northeastern University

  • Waste Reduction: Harding University