National Association of College & University Food Services

There’s still time to take advantage of early bird pricing for the NACUFS 2026 National Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana, July 15-18.

Join us to connect with collegiate dining professionals from across the industry while exploring practical leadership strategies for today’s evolving hospitality landscape.
Early bird registration ends May 29. Reserve your hotel room by June 19 to receive the NACUFS conference rate.

https://www.nacufs.org/events/national-conference-2026/

📖 The Spring 2026 edition of Campus Dining Today® is here!

This issue explores how resilient partnerships are shaping the future of collegiate dining — from collaborations with students and local farmers to nonprofits, entrepreneurs, alumni, and community organizations.

Inside, you’ll find ideas and inspiration around food recovery, local sourcing, cultural programming, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and student-led innovation. Discover how campuses are building stronger communities through meaningful dining partnerships.

Read the digital issue: https://www.nxtbook.com/nacufs/NACUFS/campus-dining-today-spring-2026/index.php

Meal plans are at the core of campus dining—and they’re constantly evolving. Join us for our upcoming Virtual Town Hall on Wednesday, May 27, where experienced leaders will share how their institutions are navigating shifting student expectations, operational demands, and financial considerations.

This member-only session will offer practical insights into meal plan structures, decision-making factors, and approaches to balancing value and sustainability. Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions and contribute to the discussion.

🕐 1 p.m. Eastern (12 p.m. Central / 11 a.m. Mountain / 10 a.m. Pacific)
🔒 Free for members

Learn more and register: https://learn.nacufs.org/p/meal_plan_VTH

The Continental Culinary Challenge has crowned its winner!

Congratulations to AJ Tan from Brigham Young University for earning top honors at NACUFS Engage: Continental. Your creativity, organization, and culinary expertise stood out in an incredibly competitive field. We look forward to seeing you represent the region in New Orleans this July at the national competition.

Thank you to all of the talented chefs who participated—your skill and dedication made this challenge truly exceptional and highlighted the strength of collegiate dining across the region. We’re also grateful to our sponsor, Cintas Corporation, and to the University of Denver for their support in making this event a success.

Stay tuned for more from the Culinary Challenge journey.

It’s happening—NACUFS Engage: Continental is underway today at the University of Denver.

One of the highlights: the Culinary Challenge, where talented collegiate dining chefs go head-to-head in a live competition that brings skill, creativity, and precision into full view. The winner earns a spot to compete on the national stage. (We'll announce the winner later today!)

Beyond the competition, today is about connection—sharing ideas, building relationships, and spending time with peers who understand the day-to-day of campus dining.

Thanks to our sponsors for making today possible!
Performance Foodservice
Cres Cor

Thank you to our sponsors, Performance Foodservice and Cres Cor, for supporting NACUFS Engage: Continental. Your partnership helps bring this experience to life for our campus dining community.

In high-volume campus dining environments, allergen management is a constant balancing act—requiring speed, coordination, and precision every day.

Join us on Tuesday, May 12 at 1 p.m. ET for a webinar that brings together campus dining professionals and nutrition experts to share real-world strategies for managing allergens at scale.

Featuring a panel of experienced operators and moderated by Food Allergy Research & Education, this session also includes a live Q&A to dig into your specific challenges.

We’re grateful to our webinar sponsor, CALIFORNIA ALMONDS, for helping make this learning opportunity possible.

👉 Register today: https://learn.nacufs.org/p/Allergen_Management

Attending the 2026 National Restaurant Association Show this May?

Make time to connect with NACUFS. Visit us at Booth #13536 during the Show, and join us for a reception on Sunday, May 17 from 2–3:30 p.m. in Room S406A.

We’d love to see you there!

In an environment where change is constant, resilient leadership matters more than ever.

Join Undrey Bostic on April 21 for a webinar exploring emotional intelligence, well-being, and how to respond thoughtfully in challenging moments. You’ll gain practical takeaways and have the opportunity to engage in a live Q&A.

We’re grateful to our webinar sponsor, Qwick, for their support in bringing this session to our community.

Reserve your spot today.
https://learn.nacufs.org/products/leading-with-resilience-in-ever-changing-collegiate-dining-operations

Are you navigating constant change in your dining operation?

Join us April 21 at 11 AM (EDT) for Leading with Resilience in Ever-Changing Collegiate Dining Operations, led by Undrey Bostic, Ed.S., director of residential dining at Georgia Institute of Technology, master resilience trainer, and 21-year military veteran.

In this webinar, you’ll explore practical strategies to:
• Prioritize well-being for yourself and your team
• Strengthen emotional intelligence
• Lead with clarity and intention

Free for NACUFS members, $49 for non-members

Register today and take a proactive approach to leading through change. https://learn.nacufs.org/products/leading-with-resilience-in-ever-changing-collegiate-dining-operations -product_tab_overview