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Chartwells Higher Education Triumphs with 25 NACUFS Awards in 2025

In an impressive demonstration of excellence, Chartwells Higher Education has been awarded 25 accolades from the National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS) for 2025. This achievement highlights the organization's commitment to culinary innovation, wellness, and student satisfaction across its diverse dining programs. Out of the many recognized, 14 programs stood out, displaying remarkable achievements in categories such as Loyal E. Horton Dining, Sustainability, and Nutrition.

Celebrating Culinary Innovation

The annual NACUFS awards aim to recognize institutions that excel in culinary creativity, event execution, and exceptional dining concepts that enhance the college experience. Chartwells’ recognition exemplifies not just the quality of food served but the overall dining experience shaped by student feedback and innovative concepts.

Highlights of Winning Programs

Several institutions under the Chartwells umbrella received multiple awards:

• - University of Pittsburgh

- Grand Prize Gold, Residential Dining Facility of the Year: The Eatery has recently undergone renovation, introducing 11 unique dining concepts inspired by Pittsburgh’s rich cultural diversity. It provides chef-crafted meals, addressing student feedback, thus becoming a vibrant close-to-home dining choice.
- Silver, Retail Sales Marketplace of The Year: Forbes Street Market caters not only to students but also to the local community, minimizing inconvenience with a well-curated selection of groceries and freshly prepared meals.

• - Cal Poly

- Grand Prize Gold, Innovative Dining Program: Cal Poly Campus Dining adopts a student-first approach, blending sustainability with technology to create a dynamic dining environment across its 40 venues, ensuring inclusivity and student engagement.
- Grand Prize Gold, Outreach and Education: The Self-Care Fair aligns with the dialog around student wellness, merging culinary activities with mental health initiatives, reaffirming its commitment to student well-being beyond dining.

• - University of Florida

- Grand Prize Gold, Renovation of the Year: The transformation of The Eatery at Broward Hall catered to increased seating demand and higher quality food options while emphasizing sustainability through local sourcing.
- Silver, Wellness and Nutrition Program: Initiatives like the Roots Seeds plant-forward trial expand the university’s commitment to providing diverse and nutritious food options to students.

• - UNC Charlotte

- Grand Prize Gold, Special Diet Recipe of the Year: Their gluten-free and vegan Tofu Pho Bowl reflects the culinary team's dedication to variety and nutrition, catering to diverse dietary requirements.

• - Babson College Dining

- Gold, Employee Development Program: The Nourishing Talent initiative not only prioritizes staff well-being but also reinforces staff retention rates that underline the organization’s supportive culture.

A Commitment to Sustainability

Recognizing the importance of environmental sustainability, Chartwells Higher Education has embraced various initiatives to minimize food waste and promote local sourcing across its dining facilities. NYU Eats, for instance, showcases its dedication to sustainability through their innovative programs like the NYC Plant-power Food Challenge, aimed at engaging students in eco-friendly practices.

According to CEO Eva Wojtalewski, “These awards are a testament to the creativity, care, and commitment our teams bring to campus dining every single day. I'm incredibly proud of how our teams continue to set the standard across the country. These recognitions aren't just about great food — they're about the impact we make on students, communities, and each other.”

Conclusion

Chartwells Higher Education's recent accolades reflect their sustained commitment to culinary excellence and student-centric dining experiences in college campuses. As they reshape the landscape of college dining, their focus on inclusivity, sustainability, and innovation continues to enrich student lives, making Chartwells a leader in the industry.

For more details about Chartwells Higher Education, visit Chartwells Higher Education.