Awards & Recognition

Celebrating the people, programs and experiences that have earned Elon Dining recognition for excellence in campus dining.

Elon Dining wins BIG at NACUFS 2026!

Among 390+ submissions from colleges and universities across the country, Elon Dining received more awards than any other institution in NACUFS this year.⁣
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🥈 Innovative Dining Program of the Year⁣
🥈 Sustainable Procurement⁣
🥈 Residential Special Event of the Year: Earth Fest 2025⁣
🥈 Residential Special Event of the Year: Mardi Gras⁣
🥈 Special Diet Recipe of the Year⁣
🥉 Wellness and Nutrition Program of the Year⁣
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These awards recognize the creativity, care and hard work our team puts into creating an exceptional dining experience for the Elon community. We also want to thank all of our campus and community partners who help make that experience possible every day. Elon Dining would not be what it is without their collaboration and support, and we are proud to bring all six awards home to campus!⁣
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NACUFS, the National Association of College & University Food Services, is the largest foodservice association serving colleges and universities in higher education. Through education, professional networking, benchmarking and industry resources, NACUFS supports dining professionals in creating exceptional campus dining experiences.⁣
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our awards and recognition

#24 Best Campus Food

Elon Dining ranked #24 in 2025 by Princeton Review for best campus dining in the country.

4P – SUPPORT OF SMALL FARMS

In Spring 2024, 4P Foods awarded Elon Dining with the #1 Support of Small Farms Award recognizing our consistent efforts to make further commitments to supporting small, local farmers.  

#24 Best Campus Food

Elon Dining ranked #24 in 2025 by Princeton Review for best campus dining in the country.

2026 NACUFS SILVER – INNOVATIVE DINING PROGRAM OF THE YEAR

Elon Dining earned Silver in the 2026 National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS) Loyal E. Horton Dining Awards for Innovative Dining Program of the Year. This recognition celebrates the creativity, collaboration, and student-focused innovation brought to life across Elon Dining every day.

2026 NACUFS SILVER – RESIDENTIAL SPECIAL EVENT OF THE YEAR: ANNUAL EARTH FEST 2025

Earth Fest 2025 received Silver in the 2026 National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS) Loyal E. Horton Dining Awards for Residential Special Event of the Year. The event highlighted sustainability, campus partnerships, local sourcing, and meaningful student engagement around food and environmental responsibility.

2026 NACUFS SILVER – RESIDENTIAL SPECIAL EVENT OF THE YEAR: MARDI GRAS

Elon Dining’s Mardi Gras 2025 celebration earned Silver in the 2026 National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS) Loyal E. Horton Dining Awards for Residential Special Event of the Year. The event brought together culinary creativity, campus tradition, live entertainment, and a high-energy residential dining experience for the Elon community.

2026 NACUFS SILVER – SPECIAL DIET RECIPE OF THE YEAR

The Elon Dining culinary team received Silver in the 2026 National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS) Nutrition Awards for Special Diet Recipe of the Year. This award recognizes the team’s commitment to creating inclusive, thoughtful, and flavorful menu options for students with dietary needs and preferences.

2026 NACUFS SILVER – SUSTAINABLE PROCUREMENT

The Elon Dining culinary team received Silver in the 2026 National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS) Sustainability Awards for Sustainable Procurement. The award recognized efforts to increase local food purchasing through partnerships with North Carolina farmers, Farmer Foodshare, and sustainably sourced seafood providers across the state.